TWO PART STORY: THE PRODIGAL SON & THE UNFORGIVING BROTHER

A WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION

(Based on the parable of The Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-24)

There was a man who had two sons,

The youngest said to his Father,

“Give me my share of your estate.”

His dad said, “Sure, it’s no bother.”

The  son quickly packed up and moved —

Set off for a country distant.

He wasted his money on riotous living,

Then his friends were gone in an instant.

Famine hit the countryside,

The son was in need of food,

So, he took a job on a farm;

The food he fed pigs looked good.

He finally came to his senses,

And decided he would go back.

He would ask for a job and forgiveness;

For food there would be no lack.

His father saw him coming;

He was filled with concern and love.

They hugged, and the son asked forgiveness,

From his dad and his Father above.

The dad then gave him a robe and a ring,

And a dinner where food did abound,

For his son who had died was living again;

He was lost in sin, but was found.

If you don’t respect your Father,

You’re destined to learn the hard way.

You’ll also disrespect yourself;

In the end, the devil you’ll pay.

But God will always welcome you home;

He will give you a robe and crown.

And He will prepare a table for you,

If you humbly repent and bow down.

THE JEALOUS UNFORGIVING BROTHER

(Sequel to A Welcome Home Celebration - Lk 25-32)

The older son was obedient;

The younger was nothing like him.

He asked for his share of his dad’s estate,

Which was to one day go to them.

Then he left home and brains behind,

To live life his own way.

Money and morals were lost;

A great price he did pay.

He finally came to his senses,

No longer in sin to roam,

His father ran to welcome him,

Back to his loving home.

The older son came by;

He heard the music and laughter.

He asked what was going on;

When told, he was angry thereafter.

He thought he was the worthy one--

The one who deserved much praise.

He jealously told his father,

“I have served you all of my days.”

With self-righteous indignation,

For his brother he gave no thought;

He chose to judge, not forgive;

For life and soul he cared not.

He lived his life like a Pharisee,

With arrogance and pride,

Quick to condemn a “lesser” man,

For whom Christ also died.

Don’t you take leave of your senses;

Be careful how you live.

And if your brother fails,

Be quick to just forgive.

Becky Overturf Wall