The Story of the Prodigal Son may be my very favorite. It is has been running through my head, saturating my thoughts for a few days and shows no signs of leaving soon.
It is true for each of us that either we have felt like the son, the brother or the parent. Maybe you can identify with all three. No matter what your life experience, you know the score.
If you know the Story as the son, you know what it is to eat with pigs. You have scrapped the bottom of the barrel and may still be there. You may have stayed in those conditions for a long time because of pride, or fear. You have lied, squandered and have shown no regard for life, either yours or anyone else's. You get to pick you can head home, it is and always has been up to you.
If you have walked in the shoes of the elder brother, you have known the greatest unfairness man has imagined himself to suffer. Your earlier cousins, Cain and Abel suffered tragically. What is the point? you ask if effort isn't considered and respected. Why must I always be the bigger person? It is just so unfair.
If you can identify as the Parent, you are just trying to save your child. Fair and unfair isn't even part of your thinking process. What parent would not run with open arms and celebrate with the child who has come Home?
It is a Story of redemption.
It is a Story we will all experience during our lifetime.
It is a Story that tells a multi dimensional Story to a one dimensional people.
Don't get stuck in either the son or brother's perspective but go back to the Father. The answer for any understanding lies in the Father's Love. It always does...
