A lot of negativity has shrouded discussions on the poor, innocent, youthful, adventurous and honest younger son of the rich man in the parable of Jesus in Luke 15:11-32. Enough of the degradation. Think for a while why the father would overlook the self-acclaimed hardworking older son and wait for hours and days waiting for HIS SON to return. Four times in the pericope he affirmed his strong knowledge of the fact that he was his father's son. First, when he made the request to have his share of the inheritance he said; "FATHER, give me the share of your estate that should come to me." Secondly, when he came to his senses after an adventurous life that left him with nothing he asked himself, "how many of MY FATHER'S hired workers..."
Thirdly in verse 18 he says again, "I shall get up and go to MY FATHER..." He continued, "I shall say to him, father..." This decision he carried out without minding what he father would think, he again referred to himself as his father's son before his father saying, "FATHER I have sinned against heaven and against you."
His father understood that this was his son when he said to the servants, "take the fattened calf and slaughter... Because this SON OF MINE..."
One stark difference between the younger son and the older son is that even while in a strange land, the younger son understood his identity as the son, he understood his place in the household. But the older son, even though he was within the household, saw himself as a servant, something close to a hired worker.
It is very easy to forget who we are. It is easy to lose our identity as individuals and as a people. In our various families, sometimes we find out that we often tend to spend more times outside the only place we should spend time the most. We become strangers in our own household. The poor boy in the parable knew who he was, even when tossed around by life's detours, he didn't lose his identity. He knew who his father was more than the one who was at home.
It is important to connect ourselves back to the root, to who we really are. It is important to understand our place in the household of God's people. We are a chosen nation, q priestly people, a people set apart. We are adopted sons of God. Never forget that. So when you are tossed around and you often face insurmountable obstacles, dig deep into your soul and understand that you are sons and daughters of the Most High. And if He be for us no one can be against us.