SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 15: 11-32
FOCUS: “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.” (Luke 15: 28)
MEMORY VERSE: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Romans 12: 15)
When the elder brother of the prodigal son showed up and realized that his father had thrown a party to celebrate the return of the prodigal son, he was angry and refused to be part of the party. Something good had happened; the son who was counted for dead had come back alive; something worth celebrating had happened, but the elder brother would have none of it. Even the father was celebrating, but the elder brother was angry.
Friend, don’t be like that elder brother that would be angry while someone else is being celebrated. Don’t be counted amongst them that hate another man’s success. Don’t be that one that will see advancement coming to another man and refuse to be part of it. Don’t be that one that will see another man’s good news and be angry. Don’t be that one that will see another man’s unmerited favour and begin to analyze why it is not right.
Notice that the decision of throwing that party was the prerogative of the father, but the elder brother had a problem with it. The father decided to do something good for the prodigal son, but the elder brother thought the father was wrong. Don’t be that one who thinks that God Himself is wrong for allowing someone you consider unqualified to receive favour and mercies. Don’t be angry when the Father blesses another.
Notice that the father went outside to plead with the elder brother. He didn’t cancel the celebration he ordered on account of the prodigal son. God will not cancel any celebration or favour He has ordered for any ‘prodigal son’ simply because you are angry about it. No man will cease to rise because you are angry. No man will lose favour simply because you are angry. No man will be reduced by God because you are unhappy.
Never be counted amongst them that are angry at other men’s good news. Do not let your eye be evil at another man’s rising.
FURTHER READING: ROMANS 12
DECLARATION:
- I will never be angry at another man’s rising, in Jesus’ name!
