The Prodigal's Brother

    In the parable of the prodigal son, as told by our Lord, there are two lost sons, not just one! The prodigal was flagrantly wicked, ungrateful, a reckless run-away, lost through hot passion and wild living. He asked for his inheritance from his father because he did not want to wait for it. The other son was morally obedient and well-pleased with himself, even to the point of boasting of his works and obedience to his father. Yet he was as truly spiritually dead and lost as his wayward brother. While the younger son's sinful nature took him down the path of lust and drunkenness to the hog pen, the evil nature of the elder son led him to walk in pride, self-righteousness, and envy to the temple of the Pharisees to worship the god of human merit and free-will. How base and ungodly both of these sons! Which is in the most danger of eternal condemnation? Which will most likely repent and sue for mercy? Neither, if left to themselves; but we observe which of the lost sons God, was pleased to save!

“Let not conscience make you linger,

Nor of fitness fondly dream;

All the fitness he requireth

Is to feel your need of him!”