The Other Son

                     The Other Son

It had been a very long day, his back was aching, his feet hurt from all the running around he had done. Running his father's company had given him joy, it didn't matter how much workload he had to carry, he always did an excellent job finishing whatever task handed to him.
The past few months had been really tough on him, the company had encountered a major setback after his younger brother sold over 40% shares of the company.  He had worked extra hard and had managed to revive the company, they had made more profit than any company would make after suffering from such setback. His father was so pleased with him for all the efforts he had put into the company.

     He looked at his watch and it was 9PM, he packed up his bags and headed for home, a long night rest was all he craved for. He left for the car park, got into his car and drove straight home. On getting home, he was met with loud music and dancing, he had seen the cars of most of his friends and family parked outside.
What was going on?  He thought to himself as he parked by the driveway,  was his father trying to throw him a surprise party? Was he going to be finally rewarded for all the work he had been doing?   A slight smile crossed his face as he got out of his car, he called one of the house staff to find out what the party was about. The response he got made him upset,  a party for the return of my brother?
He stood by his car angry and unwilling to go inside.
His father walked out the door and came towards him.
"Son! I  heard you drive in, come in quickly. You wouldn't believe it, the best news I have heard in months." He was furious at his fathers' statement "Dad! how can you throw a party for someone who left us in ruins, took your money sold out part of your company and left you in debt? I have spent the past months working with every strength to rebuild all that was left after your "beloved son" ran you over, not for once have you thrown a party for me. I have done everything you have ever asked me to do, I have served you even when I didn't feel like it and what do I get? nothing. but when your disrespectful son comes back home after spending everything on prostitutes. you throw him a feast. Nice one dad."
His father responded " O my dear Son, you have always been here with me and all that is mine is yours too. Don't be gloomy, rejoice with me, for this brother of yours was as good as dead but has now begun to live again."The older son walked away completely displeased in his father.

 We have all read this story over and over, the story explains the difference between works and grace. If a party was thrown for the older son it will come off as a reward for all his good works. God is a gracious father that gives us, his children everything regardless of our shortcomings. He treats us not as we deserve but as the depth of the love, He has for us.
Like the other son, we frown at God for being gracious. Our lack of understanding of God's grace makes us feel God should only favour those who work and we get angry when he leaves the 99 that never strayed and stayed in service to go find the 1 that carelessly wondered off.
We stand on our moral high ground, judging other people's poor choices, we get into comparing the number of blessings or opportunity God has given to us with other people.
God's grace is the unmerited, undeserved, unearned kindness and favour of God.



But if it is by grace [God’s unmerited favour], it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise, grace is no longer grace [it would not be a gift but a reward for works]

 -Rom.11:6