But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Eph 2:4-9 NKJ)
“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. “So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. “And he said to him, `Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. “So he answered and said to his father, `Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. `But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ “And he said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. `It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'” (Luk 15:25-16:1 NKJ)
Clearly, there are issues in the elder son’s relationship with his father.
1. The son sees himself not as a son, but a servant, working to please his master.
2. He feared being caught not working in case the father showed his displeasure.
3. A relationship of fear is based on law. Thus, he resented the grace being shown to his younger brother.
Why did the father walk away and leave him? Isaiah writes, “Look! The LORD does not lack the power to save, nor are his ears too dull to hear.” (Isa 59:1 CEB) The issue was the elder son’s hard heart, his resentment towards his brother and unforgiving spirit, stopped him from entering into the party.
Don’t let a bad attitude rob you of your blessing.
