Gifts and Giver


I recently read the "Prodigal Son" passages in Luke and offered some reflections on the younger brother and the older brother at our Palm Sunday Service at Church. Rather than me wrack my brain for insights, I shared thoughts from Tim Keller. Keller in his book "The Prodigal God" writes quite insightfully on the estrangement of both sons from the Father. The younger son, the Libertine (before returning home repentant). The older brother, the Legalist, unrepentant. Download the first chapter.

Both brothers share one deep common trait. They have valued the relationship with the Father as secondary to something else. Both defined possessions as the key to their life. It is as if the Father is taken for granted, as almost unimportant and irrelevant. His sole purpose seemingly is to provide stuff. The older brother posits that he never had a goat to eat with his friends as his most scathing retort to the Father's generosity. The younger brother knew he acted as the pig. The older brother squeals like a pig but does not recognize the pig parallel to himself. A pig just wants to consume, anything, anytime, anywhere. I imagine a hungry and thirsty pig is a miserable beast because of its ravenous nature. No Zen in the Pen.  

What brought this story back to mind was that this Easter weekend I had a series of fantastic meals and drink. Besides just a quick prayer at the beginning of the meal, it was pretty much face first into the grub with very little reflection and Godward gratitude. It wasn't intentional, just inattentive. Last night, as I literally and figuratively digested the weekend, I thanked God for the victuals. Loving the gifts more than the giver when it comes to God is idolatry.

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