Pastor Steve Jones,
Grace Presbyterian Church
Contributor
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)
This parable of Jesus is known as “The Prodigal Son.” In reality, however, the tale is intended to give a portrayal of the father—a father who acts in a surprising manner.
We ought not be surprised by the actions of the younger son in this family. His immaturity, ingratitude and foolishness are not traits uncommon or unfamiliar in the young. Many parents can testify to seasons of frustration, anger and even fear caused by a wayward, blind and stubborn child. Many a young person has gone off and created “a fine mess,” wasting opportunities and resources, disappointing a loving family.
Still, we don’t have the whole picture until we realize that in the Middle Eastern culture of that day, what the son had done was to reject his father’s values and wish his father dead. Though it is clear that he had grown up in a loving, stable and respected home, the young man wanted to get as far away from his father’s ways as possible. Hence, his escape to “a far country.” This would have been seen as a very public rejection and shaming of his father. His demand for his portion of the inheritance while his father still lived would have loudly declared, “I can’t wait for you to die!” So, with disdain and heedlessness, this boy thumbed his nose at the good man who was his father.
So, it is startling to find this father so passionately longing for the return of his son that he saw him coming “a great way off.” Certainly many months had gone by and the father had passed hard days fruitlessly scanning the horizon, hoping against hope to see his son’s frame shadowed against a far hill. But, even after such a long a time, he was found watching so patiently that he indeed saw the boy while he was yet a great distance away.
At this point, the father’s behavior became even more shocking. He ran to greet his son. In that culture, it would have been a complete abandonment of dignity for an older man to run. Children and youth ran, men of age and substance did not! Yet, in his desire to welcome the returning prodigal, he disdained propriety and ran with joy to embrace him.
Finally, rather than demanding that the boy now prove that he had learned his lesson and earn his way back into his father’s good graces, the father immediately bestowed on the once lost son the best that he had to give. The only condition was that he had returned.
Friends, this is a picture of the welcome that the Heavenly Father gives to those who have wandered and yet humble themselves to return. He is not waiting to slap our hands and beat us with, “I told you so!” Rather He waits to shower upon us His forgiving, welcoming love and extend to us the best of His blessings, even though we are patently undeserving.