Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh
That comment was meant for you. You were coming at him with both guns blazing. Why are you so combative? I doubt your momma taught you to be that disrespectful. Do you remember MissBrat pointing out your bad manners? I'd do it but her instruction didn't seem to take! So why should I waste my time.
Maybe if you reread what Coonskinner wrote:
He admits the elder son has an attitude problem but that he is not lost which is a very fair reading of the verse.
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Combative? Just pray for me... but I also sense that's some preferential reading treatment going on there.
Save the lecture... please. Could you offer a "for example?" I say things straight... trying to make use of characters. That doesn't mean my guns are blazing.
The elder son has more than an attitude problem. And I find it odd that those who support "we are justified by our works" suddenly pardon the guilt of the elder brother-- his apparent self-righteousness and bitterness toward His brother. I expect more from you guys
(those smileys are my way of indicating that I'm probably smiling, jabbing you in the ribs, not pointing my finger in your face, just a suggestion when you read my posts)
I also find it interesting, in the demographic set-up on AFF, which posters are coming to the rescue of the elder brother so dramatically.
The reality of the elder brother declining his father's invitation is one of great shame, very similar to the younger brother disowning his Father's house in the beginning. All the Father gets is "I've done soooo much for you, all to get your favor (celebration/party/grace), but this sinner shows up and you give it to Him instead." There is very much something wrong in the heart of the elder brother.
That the story is open-ended, that there are Pharisees present... I don't see it as a big surprise or even ironic. This is where Jesus was going with this. I have taken liberty to say the elder brother was lost, since the Text doesn't. But in the elder brother, I definitely see another way we can be lost --- lostness as sinners forming God in our own image, and lostness as self-righteous, bitter elder brother who try to be their own God. Grace comes to both and invites both to the party. Would the elder brother put down his anger, self-righteousness and bitterness and realize He has full approval and acceptance of the Father? Would he accept that invitation out of his chamber of bitterness? In fairness, the verdict is never given. But make no mistake, this is the "appeal" in the story. If Jesus did altar calls, this is where it'd be
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
Hybrid Mode
