With the traders, it was agreed they abstain from dealing with the elder brother. From the church members, there were prophesies of success for the younger's quest in stopping his brother and an assurance of their anointing in Christ. The friends provided various support. You must be against him who has set himself against me - they agreed. My brother is frugal, a harsh dealer, inequitable and never mixes business with pleasure!! Maintain my company and together we'll all prosper,have fun, make a good return and achieve the set goal. So they formed an alliance.
From His vantage view the Father saw the situation and left both to their devices. The elder then enquired of the Father "Have I done anything wrong?? Was my vow selfish and in spite?? Surely you are aware of my brothers ability in business!! Should he not agree with me for our joint good?? Were there not synergies to be developed??" The Father replied "I know you are both different but set you on a joint project... the primary aim is not that you may both agree but that I may reveal to you the secret to My success. It is possible for you to know this working together and/or separately."
"What is this success secret". the elder asked. The Father replied "Fear Me and follow My way of doing things. I never change and remain the same always. Did you notice in the market there are many traders competing against each other?? Some have even come to you seeking to break the alliance and form another with you."
"Yes that's correct" replied the elder. "Do not join in with them no matter how appealing their deals... you must deal in a way that honours Me only and no one else. Even if they are not of the alliance, yet still do not trade with any trader that may be connected to them. Separate Me as Your reliance and I'll reveal greater and better deals to you. I would also prosper you" the Father said.
Diligently the son followed and became exceeding rich... much more than he anticipated. In glee he turned to his Father and thanked him..."now" said the elder "I am ready to show my brother that I was right which I always knew!" "What did I tell you before now" His Father asked. "Ha I remember" replied the elder. "I must do things your way". "Indeed" replied His Father.
So the elder acted accordingly -
1. To his brother, the elder showed mercy and did not gloat but rather mildly celebrated.
2. To the traders, he simply watched them scrap for other suitors while missing his own deal.
3. As the church members and prophet(esse)s had prophesied victory through God.. the elder gave them this victory with certain defeat obvious at his success thus becoming their god unless they confess their fraud.
4. He dispersed the friends and left them to the younger's company.
Observing, the Father responded "It is good you show mercy to the younger and give victory to the church member and do not gloat. My sons are like eagles to Me - they wait on Me, I provide for them in My time and they glide on the surf of My goodness. But there are different eagles - the bald ones always work for their promotion and not Mine. To promote Me, you must do things My own way not according to appearances or popular consensus. The bald eagles have waited, known victory but have not Honoured Me, hence they are without Honour. My golden eagles work for My glory and follow My ways thus Honouring Me... they cast their crowns before Me and do not glory in themselves or success. These are My True Servants, Worthy to be called a Son and Heir to My dynasty. The secret to My success is also with them. I am a Lion and a Lamb not a Lamb and a Lion.... My own must see Me as a Lion first and then a Lamb. A Lion can show mercy even though it's fierce but a Lamb cannot take a fierce stance. I drive a hard bargain and require good value but I also exhibit sensitivity. My seat of Mercy has long been prepared and has an occupant... Long shall be His reign!!
