The Elder Brother...

In the story of the Lost Son, (see text below) - There are really 2 lost sons. I believe the "elder" is just as lost as the "prodigal". Even to a certain respect it's a little easier to go after the prodigal than it is the elder. At least we know who he is and what he has done.

So how would we describe this Elder Brother, and let's figure out if we "are" one of them. 'The elder son was in the field when the prodigal came home' Hmm there are a couple of things here - The father was not in the field, he was looking for the son. Possibly what he had been doing every day since the son left. I am implying this, but it could be that there are multiple resentments going on for the elder.
1) a resentment that the father was not in the fields as well.
2) a resentment that the father was preoccupied with the prodigal son.
3) a resentment that the elder was not included in the feast-planning.
4) a resentment that 'no party was held for him.'

The elder son pouted when he heard what was going on at the house. His stubbornness did not allow him to even enter his own house. He was angry at the attention this lost son was getting! I guess the servants told the father, because he came out to coax him in and all he got was the whineing.

How can we relate to the elder brother? Well often there is a smugness in our spirituality. A haughtiness, that influences those returning prodigals. Things like: "How can you be in a fraternity/sorority and still be a Christian?" "Do you have regular Quiet Times?" "Have you ever been to a real church?" "Don't you go to church, at all?"

Also, there is an appeal to safety. That is, it is easier to be safe with my friends who are just like me, than develop reationships with prodigals. Someone may see you with them and get the wrong idea. They might 'bring you down' to their level. There is also an insecurity about hanging out with prodigals. They might ask us a question about the Gospel that we don't know the answer to. We don't want to turn them off. Finally, there is just a general disinterest in the prodigals and their lifestyles. We don't like hanging out with people like that. We have nothing to relate about.

How can the 'Elder Brothers' recognize their lostness? If you have a preoccupation with the field, there is a good chance you are lost. Ok, I have to state the obvious: Somebody has to be in the field. The work in the field must get done. If the father is spending all his time searching for the lost son, then the work is left undone. It is the job of those who are "home" to do the work. The field represents all of the good works that the Father's people are asked to do. The discipleship, the justise issues, preparation for the mission field, church boards, leading small groups of younger "ELDER" brothers, leading the father's programs,etc. Also, If you pout, whine or complain about the Father's decisions then there is a good chance you are lost. Our attitude is crucial in figuring out if we are 'lost' or not. If you've never looked for the Prodigal or it's been a long time, then you are probably lost. . There is something about being out there looking for the prodigals that helps us gain perspective about what the Father sees in them.

How can we return to the house where the Father and the Prodigals are? Also, the house where the party is. OK here I can offer a bit of a personal testimony. Don't get me wrong, I still think I live too frequently in the field. I love the field! There is nothing like meeting with another Elder brother and helping them understand Lordship issues, connecting an alumnus with a church, helping to plan a missions trip, learning about God's word with a student. But several years ago with the "coaxing" of several friends on campus, I learned that there is good reason to be searching a long way off for a 'returning prodigal'. There is a place for leaving the field and sitting at College Delly or Aroma's or even the Daily Grind and welcoming back (or sometimes even for the 1st time) a Prodigal. There is a joy, an excitement, a freshness that took over my day-to-day walk with Jesus. And maybe some people do say, "Marty, hangs out with drunkards and gluttons." But I want to be in the business of welcoming prodigals back to the kingdom. For me this is Greeks at W&M. I've been doing it now for 5 or so years. And sometimes hanging out with Greeks, is more field work, but sometimes it's running to meet the prodigal throw my arms around their neck and kiss them!