Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
You know the story and you have probably read it a hundred times over like myself. The other day while meditating on this parable, the Lord revealed a few simple truths; truths I have never noticed before. Please notice the verse above and most importantly the word field. This implies the elder brother was working and this is later confirmed in verse 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
These many years do I serve thee…He was in the field when he first learned of his younger brother’s return. Here is the point: one brother came to his father by faith and attained instant favor while the elder brother was seeking to attain favor through his work in the field and service. The younger brother was celebrated because of his faith while the elder brother grew resentful because his works could not move the heart of the father.
Let us each remember that it is simple faith that captivates the heart of our Heavenly Father not our works! Righteousness and justification are not wrought through our service but rather through our faith!