January 15 - A Tale of Two Sons

 Read today’s texts first: Genesis 37 & 38; Luke 15

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Growing up in our Father’s house
is far better than a prodigal’s party!

Growing up as the good kid (some would call me a “goody-goody”), I’ve always felt sorry for the other good kids who seem to lack the experiences, the “testimony”, and the limelight that the prodigals get.  Today’s readings juxtapose Joseph and Judah in Genesis with the parable of the prodigal and his brother in Luke.

Joseph is the good kid, but he’s sold by his brothers into slavery while his brother Judah plays the prodigal.  He leaves his family, marries a Canaanite, and later sleeps with his daughter-in-law.  The last indiscretion is excusable though, because he thought she was just a prostitute.  Really? And this guy becomes the founding father for the tribe that would carry the lineage of the Messiah?

Fast forward to the story of the prodigal and we see the same scenario.  The father is fussing over the kid who made bad choices, and blew his inheritance on wine, women, and song.  Now he’s back and it’s party time, complete with new clothes, an expensive ring, and a barbeque with his friends!  No wonder the good brother is feeling left out.  He’s the one who stayed faithful to the father, continued to help out around the house, maintained an honourable reputation, and no one threw him a party.

I love the response of the father to his “good” son’s complaints: my child, you have always been with me and all that is mine is yours (15:31). Sometimes I forget the blessing of having been close to both my earthly father and my heavenly Father all of my life.  Just before my Dad transitioned to heaven, I had the opportunity for a heart-to-heart talk with him at his hospital bedside. Sensing this would be our last conversation, he told me how much he loved me and how proud he was of me.  While he didn’t say that often during our life together, I always knew it.  I wanted to make him proud because he was the best father I could ever hope to have. 

“The same is true with You, Lord.  I know You love me and are proud of me (though I can think of so many reasons You shouldn’t be).  I may not have the testimony of a prodigal with the dramatic before-and-after story, but I wouldn’t trade what I’ve had growing up in Your house for anything this world has to offer.”