In the words of Max Bygraves, Garry wanted to tell us a story this morning! The story (found in Luke 15:11-31) shows us the difficulties in a father-son relationship. Sometimes younger sons find it hard to find their place in a family, perhaps always feeling compared to the older children; this son wanted to spend his inheritance even before his father had died! The father agreed to this request – which was at best thoughtless and rude, and in some ways was positively disrespectful and insulting – because of his powerful love for his son, understanding that love cannot be forced.
The son didn’t take long to spend the money; it’s alarming how quickly those who win lots of money can lose vast amounts! He ended up far from home, doing an awful job and being hungry and sorrowful. Only then did he consider how much he had left behind, and so he resolved to go back home – not as a son (for he had squandered that relationship), but hoping for work as a servant.
Turning back (repentance) always seems a risk to us, for we worry about the reception we will receive – will we get a long lecture? Dare we run the risk of rejection? The son was amazed to be welcomed back by his father, not grudgingly or with strings attached, but lavishly and with unstinting generosity. God gives us life in the first place as a father (see Job 33:4, Acts 17:4); we have all gone astray like sheep but are welcomed back into the family of God. We expect hard-heartedness, judgment, condemnation and rebuke; instead, we find grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. We may well return with fear and trembling, hesitating and in trepidation, but God’s love is overwhelming. We find we are greeted in a warm embrace and given a celebratory party. Let’s join the celebrations!
