Thwarting His Messages

I was content staying home
Until I heard he'd returned,
Now I'm disgusted.
And while this might've disclosed
The hollowness of my contentment,
Instead, I said to my father,
"He just wants attention!"

I was satisfied with my work
Until I heard how he'd groveled.
Now, I'm irritated.
And while this might've revealed
My goodness built on his badness,
Instead, I said,
"He needs a servant's heart like mine!"

I thought I was pleasing my father
Until he invited me to eat with him.   
Now, I'm insulted.
And while this might've redirected
My gaze off myself and onto grace,
Instead, I said,
"I have standards to keep!"

I thought I enjoyed serving
Until he got all the recognition.
Now, I feel like a slave.
And while this might've revealed
My hope for repayment,
Instead, I said,
"No one understands how hard I have it!"

I loved everyone quite well
Until my father let him off the hook.
Now, I'm shutting him out.
And while this might've disclosed
That I, not my brother, was shut out,
Instead, I said,
"Father, you're delusional and irrational!"

Then the father replied to his son,
"Oh Israel, my firstborn,
Why do you thwart my messages to you?
Where I want to draw you in, you're drawing lines in the sand.
Where I want to carry your burdens, you're stuck assessing yourself.
Where you've always had my favor, you're sure you must do more.
Where my goodness is enough for you, you refuse to take it. 
And where I want to bring you home, your heart is far away."

"But I will not give up 
Inviting prodigals and their brothers.
And should you lay down your weapons,
My arms are open 
Like they were to him:
A sinner . . . akin to you."

Comments

Laura Provencio said…
Perfectly worded!! Thank you for sharing.