A Party

“All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day’s work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t listen.”

 (Luke 15:24 & 28 – TM)

Legalists hate parties. In fact they despise any expression of joy in religion. For the older brother the sound of music and singing emanating from his father’s house was probably a shock. But much more devastating for him was to discover the reason behind such a party – the return of his prodigal brother! So he refused to have anything to do with it.

Over the generations legalists may change their clothes – but they cannot change their heart. From Michael who despised the dancing of her husband David (see – 2 Samuel 6: 14 – 23) to the long faced religious men and women of today, the same heart is expressed – condemnation, accusation, bitterness and a refusal to join in the party. This is despite the fact that “joy” is seen throughout the bible as a key expression of our relationship with Father God.

The result of Michael’s outburst and condemnation of David’s expression of joy in worship resulted in her never being able to have children. The truth is - bitterness breeds’ barrenness and legalism leads to death. This is the reason so many “churches” the are dying or already dead. Today the legalist may term an exuberant worshiper as a - “happy clappie”, “rafter swinger” or other such derogatory terms. The net result is the same – their condemnation breeds their bareness.

The tragedy is, those living in legalistic bondage think they are being faithful to God when in fact they are not. Jesus went so far as to address such as - “children of your father the Devil” (John 8:44) – very strong words! Interestingly it is the Apostle of love – John, who records these words! Pure love will never avoid conflict with demonic legalism!

As far as the elder son is concerned while it is clear he did not waste his inheritance in wild living like his brother – some have gone so far as to suggest that he sold his inheritance to Satan. Why else would he react in the way he did? Whatever he may or may not have done – it is clear he did not share the heart of his Father – and there is no record that he ever joined in the party with the others and the angels of heaven as they celebrated his brother’s repentance and homecoming.