A Tender Slap in the Face - The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

What a book. I have always imagined my story to be inline with the “prodigal son”, but after reading this I realized I am just as much the self-absorbed and self-saving “elder brother”.

Keller spends some time digging up the roots of the elder brothers anger. That was probably the most fruitful section for me. I was able to see the roots of my own anger and judgment. There is a part of me that still clings to the thought that its me doing the work, its upto me to save these people…That person does not deserve my grace father… I should have a say on all of this. Just like the elder brother, I lack awareness and understanding of the Fathers words “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours”.

Wow. So needless to say the book was convicting and revealing. There is so much more I could say about this book, but I would rather say just read it. My big take away in summary is that I have been craving a deeper knowledge of God’s love and this book has really helped me down that path.

Aaron Marshall
A Repenting Elder Brother

August06