Jesus’s ultimate parable of the return of the Prodigal Son speaks truth at every part of our journey through life. Jesus himself is the “parable of God” who is aways revealing the heart of the Father.  

 

The heart of the Father is compassion and he sees us as we are and can be: made in original goodness, in God’s image. Returning home, we can grow in God’s likeness as well.  This is no denial of our choosing the way of sin. However, sin is not our essence or our origin. Rather than low anthropology, we are of infinite value  and worth. Our nature is the very image of God. The grace of God received heals, releasing us to grow “into his likeness” as we follow in his way. In this Parable, we see how God loves us as his beloved children. This is our nature, our ontology, the truth of our being. And when we fall into sin and death, God is running towards us to welcome us home. This is captured so tenderly in Rembrandts magnificent painting of The Return of The Prodigal Son.  In the very center, the Father extends his healing compassionate hands, and places them on the kneeling son. That image is God’s relentless love and welcome home.

 

I will die standing upon the truth of this more Christlike God whom Jesus has continually revealed. 

With you on The Journey, 

 

Rob+