Two Sons

He was birthed in the beauty of innocence. His emergence from the womb gladdened the countenance of his father and brought joy to the heart of his mother. Like Reuben of old, he was his father's "firstborn, his might, the beginning of his strength, the excellency of dignity and power" (Gen. 49:3). No doubt his years of infancy were a ceaseless source of delight to his parents. Surely they must have thrilled at his smile, his childlike laughter, his first word and step.

The birth of a second son multiplied their joy. Moreover, their firstborn would now know the elation of brotherhood. Having shared the same womb, the normal pains of developing existed between them. However, undoubtedly, they matured as brothers generally do, often fighting, but each willing to take on the world for the other.

Maturity comes clothed in free­will and the result is often disastrous. Weary of home and eager to taste of life in the fast lane, the youngest son requested his portion of the family inheritance, "took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living" (Luke 15:13). Poverty and hunger quickly extracted the pleasure from sin. Thoughts of parental love and home tugged at his heart. Leaving the far country, he retraced the journey of rebellion with the steps of godly sorrow and penitence. His father met and embraced him with compassion and forgiveness. Sounds of feasting and merriment filled the air.

Having learned of his brother's return, the elder son refused to join the festivity, spurned his father's tender entreaty and buried himself in self­pity. The beauty of innocence had been replaced by the ugliness of sin. Brotherly love had been displaced by contempt. Parental delight in his childhood had been supplanted by sorrow and disappointment. The elder son had robed himself in the black cloak of self­righteousness, ingratitude, and a callous indifference toward his brother's welfare.

The same parents, teaching, and training does not guarantee a plurality of children with equal concern for God and spiritual matters. Proverbs 22:6 is a general principle, not an ironclad law. Faithful parents must not be blamed for children who exercise their own volition by choosing to travel the low road of sin and shame.