During a recent Adult Sunday School class at my church we were studying the parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15. An usual lively discussion happened rather quickly. Our study guide noted, “It is a familiar old story. We see an estranged family. Poor choices are made by different family members, behavior is bad, hearts are unforgiving, and old grudges get in the way. One family member has to hit rock bottom before he changes. What is this? Just another tragic story? The latest TV miniseries? No, it is a parable told by Jesus that helps us understand more about ourselves and our faith. Strained family relationships are all too common in our society. What advice would you give a friend who was estranged from his family?”
The lively response in our class, was a reflection on family relationships portrayed in the parable. The younger son receives his inheritance, leaves home, goes and wastes “all his money in wild living,” comes to his senses,” decides to come home, his father “embraces” him at his return, prompting his father to have a celebration, saying, “this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.”
But when church people look at the response of the elder son, it can be rather sobering. The parable can easily be viewed as the story of the elder son. As I reflected on the parable I can identify with both the younger and older son. I remember the deep impact Henri Nouwen’s book, “The return of the prodigal son” had on my life. Nouwen observed, “One of the greatest challenges of the spiritual life is to receive God’s forgiveness.”
When I finally understood in my heart that the waiting father was really my heavenly father waiting for me, it changed how I related to my heavenly father. “And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” I was like the long lost prodigal son, having often rehearsed my confession, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” It was hard for me to accept my heavenly father wants to celebrate my return. But it is true! “I have a Father in heaven, who delights in me.” I have wandered away often and then returned home to my heavenly Father’s embrace.
But I still have sentiments of the elder son in my heart, even after years of gratefully integrating the experience of the returning younger son being welcome home. The older brother had no use for celebrating the return of his younger brother. Coming in from work in the field, he hears “music and dancing.” This was unusual for this time of day. He asks one of the servant, to fill him in on what was happening. “Your brother has come,” replies the servant, “and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.” His reply is deeply convicting to me as older, seasoned follower of Jesus. “Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends” (MSG).
This reply is like an arrow of conviction continually in my heart. My prayer – “God purify my judgmental heart and critical spirit.” Give me a grateful heart for all you have shown me on my journey home.
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