A father had two sons – one was dutiful, the other rebellious.   One stayed at home, helping with the family farm.  The other callously told his father that he wanted to spread his wings but needed money to do that.  He didn’t want to wait until his father died to receive his inheritance, so badgered him until the old man relented and gave his son what he wanted.  That was the last anyone in the area saw of the rebellious son for years, but word filtered back that the young man was living the high life in the big city, squandering his wealth.

The father, still loving and longing for his absent son, kept watch.  As he went about his daily work he would keep an eye on the road, hoping against hope that his son would return.  Then one day, he did.  The father ran to meet him, and gave him a warm welcome.  The son knew he did not deserve his father’s love, compassion, and forgiveness and in fact, did not ask for it.  But nevertheless, he received it.  And the father rejoiced because the son he feared was dead, was alive.  The young man he loved and thought he might never see again was found.

Jesus told this story to illustrate the love of our heavenly Father, who will always welcome us home no matter how far we have strayed.  Is there some “prodigal son” you can share this story with today?                        

This is Luis Palau.