March 25

Music And Dancing!

Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on. ‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’ The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. — Luke 15:25-28 BSB

The elder brother heard the sounds of music and dancing as he approached the house. These were the expressions of the father's heart, full of joy, and they reverberated throughout the entire household. Every family reflects, to some extent, the spirit of those who lead it. This serves as a warning to us not to bring our worries or frustrations home, lest we dampen the mood of everyone in our family.

The father’s joy at the return of his younger son was contagious. As the original Greek suggests, the entire household—composed of three ranks of servants—was swept up in the joy. Everyone was involved, from the youngest girl dressing in her best, to the young lads polishing their buttons. The household, once darkened by the father’s sorrow, was now radiating with joy.

But why wasn’t there a similar celebration for the elder brother? Shouldn’t there have been an outburst of joy for his faithfulness, for the fact that he never strayed? There was no feast or music for him, no celebration for his loyalty to the home. Was this truly fair?

Yet there were compensations. "You are always with me, and all that I have is yours." As children of God and joint-heirs with Christ, we share in everything. Like Enoch, we can walk with God in close fellowship, experiencing peace, joy, and love each day. The prodigal son may have his moment of joy, but isn’t it better to have a life filled with the daily presence and love of God? We will not begrudge the prodigal his celebration, but let us cherish God's best and sweetest gift: an unclouded heart, peace, and the constant love of God in our lives.

Prayer

Take from my heart, Heavenly Father, all hatred and malice, all envy and jealousy, and anything that would cause a breach between me and others. Let nothing hinder the flow of Your love into my heart and out towards others. Amen.