Families are interesting.
Jesus talked about families, relationships, and God’s love for lost souls when He shared the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
We often focus on the younger son – selfish, thoughtless, even narcissistic, someone most of us would condemn for requesting their inheritance while a parent was living. The steady dawn-to-dusk, small-country farming life was not for him. With bigger dreams and plans than what he was living, this young man felt no compunction in approaching a loving father to request a large start-up sum for those goals.
Then there is the father. A reliable, solid character, and a pillar of strength, he trained his two boys to work the farm, pay their bills, and continue the family legacy. No negative descriptions are given about this man — unless his willingness to grant his youngest son’s request was unwise.
Finally, the older son appears at the end of the parable. He was the responsible child, carrying on the family traditions with no complaint — until his wilder, wasteful younger sibling returned from spending his share of dad’s fortune. At that point, the older brother expressed anger toward his father and jealousy toward his prodigal brother.
Other than describing the homecoming celebrations provided for the lost son, Jesus left the end of the story to the listener’s imagination. Were the family relationships completely restored?
Family conflicts — real or imagined — can arise from actual events or imagined slights. Pains and hurts will fester and drive family members further apart when allowed to do so. Whether a nuclear family, a group of church members, or even workmates, relationships matter.
The father of the prodigal son had more reasons than most to punish his wayward son, yet he immediately forgave, expressing that forgiveness with actions of love, restoration, and celebration. In the same way, our Heavenly Father has every right to hold us accountable for the rebellion, selfishness, and disobedience we commit, yet He chooses to graciously forgive when we come to Him in Jesus’ Name.
Life is short. If you have wandered away, come home. If you’ve been holding onto grudges, ask God to help you find the strength to forgive. The welcome home party is ready to begin.
mpaxson99@yahoo.com
