THE OTHER BROTHER

Today's reading:  Luke 15-16

"The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, All these years I've worked hard for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time, you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends." Luke 15:28-29 NLT

The prodigal brother gets a lot of hype.

He's preached about.

He's referred to often, even in secular conversations.

He's used as a lesson in Sunday Schools, Bible schools and there's even a flannel-graph of him.

But the other brother?

The one who never wandered?

The one who remained at home?

What might be referred to as, the faithful one?

A few verses.

A few lines of poor publicity.

No regaling about his determination and commitment.

No long list of all he had accomplished in his brother's absence.

Just a telling of his heart attitude.

I believe the account of this other brother needs visited and re-visited by us faithful church-goers.

We should call to mind this fella's actions and attitudes when we are dismissed...

When we are overlooked...

When we are presumed upon...

When we aren't celebrated for staying the course...

When we don't get the applause, or the congregational handshake or even honorable mention...

Staying the course, with the proper attitude of course, will be rewarded by God.

He sees us. He knows. He credits our stick-to-it-ive-ness to our accounts with Him!

So wildly celebrate the brothers, and sisters, that come home--knowing full well that you will be celebrated one day, too!