Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: ACT (05/05/22)
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TITLE: When the Party Ends There's Forgiveness | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Meiners
05/06/22 -
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“What’s going on now?” Lucas asked. “Why can’t you boys get along.”
Ethan and Asher had been arguing for weeks. Ethan was the first born son of Lucas and his wife Adi. Ethan was the strong son, thus his name, while Asher was their “happy-go-lucky” son who never seemed to be concerned about anything. Life was always a bowl-of-cherries and he seemed to live every moment to the full.
It was no surprise that these two were going round-and-round again. Ethan cared for things surrounding the home. He was the one Lucas could count on to take care of his livestock, manage his finances, look after the servants. He was a hard worker and Lucas loved him more than anything. There was nothing Lucas wouldn’t do for this son.
Asher, on the other hand, wasn’t the least bit interested in the day-to-day workings of his father’s land. He just wanted to have fun. Be the “life of the party” so to speak. In fact, that is what the two boys were arguing over.
“I can’t stand this place anymore,” Asher stated. “I want to get out into the world and see what is going on. I want to have some fun before I die. I plan to leave home and never look back.”
“How you going to survive?” Questioned Ethan. “What are you going to do for finances? Steal from others.”
“No, smarty, I plan to ask Dad to give me my share of the inheritance and then I’m out of here.” Asher said matter-of-factly.
“Good luck with that,” sighed Ethan.
Asher went in search of Lucas. When he found his dad he said, rather sharply, “Hey dad. I am of age now and I want to leave this home. Go out and see the world. Have some fun. I want you to give me my share of the inheritance so I can do this. What do you say, dad?”
Lucas agreed to divide the inheritance. He gave Asher his share then watched with sadness as he walked down the road and out of sight.
Asher thought himself the richest man alive. He went from town to town spending his money on fancy food, pretty girls, and wild parties. All was going well until a famine hit the land. A famine he had not counted on. Before he knew it, his money was gone. His friends had deserted him. The parties ended.
Because he had some knowledge of farming, he hired himself out to a pig farmer. A PIG farmer! How embarrassing. If his brother could see him now what would he think. He would probably say, “I told you leaving home was a stupid idea. Now look at yourself.”
Indeed, look at him. No money, no food, no place to live, a stinky job. At times he was so hungry he even tried to eat the food that was given to the pigs.
One morning he awoke to the thought, “Why don’t I just go home. At least I would have food to eat and a place to sleep. I’ll say “Dad, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’”
When he arrived home, to his surprise, his father ran to greet him. Asher said, “Father, I have sinned, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
“Nonsense,” said Lucas.
Lucas called his servants to prepare a homecoming party for Asher.
Ethan heard the news of his brothers return and came to see for himself. He watched Asher carefully. What were his motives. Why did Asher get a party when he never had one.
He went to his dad and said, “Dad, why are you doing this. This is just an act on Asher's part. He doesn’t really mean to repent and return. He just wants your handouts. Wants your sympathy. Heck, you never gave me a party, and I was faithful to you.”
“No, my son. This is no act. He has returned. Ethan, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. We are celebrating because your brother was dead and now he is alive, was lost but now found. Let’s rejoice and act as though this never happened. I love you both equally. I forgive Asher, and I’m happy to have you both back in the safety of my heart and home.”
Story based on Luke 15:11-32 (ESV)
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On a personal note I have always had a deep sympathy for the elder brother. I still think he was treated unfairly...