Thoughts for another day

November 13, 2008.

Today's verse: Lk. 15:18. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

One of the most poignant stories of human going away and loss to the Kingdom of Heaven, is the parable of the prodigal son. While we refer to this story as that of the son, it’s necessary and important to look at the characterization of the ‘father’ in the story. If you look deep through the eyes of Jesus as you focus on this episode, you’ll see the Father embodied in His mind as He talks of the boy’s father.

In reading the above verse, we see the humility that’s grown in the son. His stupidity has caused his downfall and he finally realizes that life in his father’s mansion, even as a servant is far better than the filth he dwells in. In that moment, he wakens to the love of his father. He knows his father will forgive him, though he’s sinned terribly. He’s aware his return is because of his personal misery and not his interest in his father’s joy on seeing him again. Therefore, in his mind he’s willing to even assume the role of a servant. But, see the father’s reaction. Jesus says ‘as soon as the father spotted his son, he runs and embraces him.’ Mirrored in this father is our own ABBA, our God Who loves us with an everlasting love, standing arms open wide, waiting for our return.

My friend, it pains me to see our callousness toward our Father. We have no time for Him. We don’t realise the countless blessings He pours on us, so many of which we don’t even know. We are completely ignorant of His protection and let me tell you, should He even for a moment shift His glance from us, we’d be finished. But He isn’t about to do it, for he loves us deeply. It’s our sins which He can’t bear and more importantly, our refusal or let me say our lack of constant awareness and acceptance of His Son’s sacrifice that keeps Him away from us. Isn’t it time now to ‘rise and return’? Let’s not say, it’s not me for I am close to him. Maybe, we aren’t like the prodigal son, but then, are we any closer to our Father? Judge for yourself and I’d exhort you, ‘rise and return’. Your welcome will be great.