The Prodigal Son story has generated many lessons about parent-child relationships. Prodigal actually means “extravagant waster,” but, in ancient and modern culture, we understand the contextual meaning of a spiritual backslider. The “whys” of children abandoning the faith and families leave guilt-ridden parents in their wake. What could bring them comfort and restoration?
Let’s travel back to the story in Luke 15:11-32. First, parents can cultivate hope that our child will “come to his senses”, humble himself, and repent as he encounters difficulties along this chosen path. The father didn’t send servants searching for his son. He allowed him to reap the consequences of his actions. The son did that and returned home.
Notice, the Father was continually watching for him. We can watch, in prayer, over prodigals. At the son’s return, there was no lecture, no “why” inquiries, and no guilt trips. There was “running toward”, compassion, and affection breaching their former distance. The Father called for the best robe, ring, shoes, and fancy food (his favorites?).
The Older Son (also a prodigal in his heart) resented this. Was Father’s attention too entangled with the younger brother? The older brother questioned his position and worth in the family. He mentions “many years” in serving the father, a long-simmering issue.
In difficult family relationships – cultivate hope, look down the road (our Pastor’s wife references “the long view” or Kingdom perspective.) Continue caring for your close family, and “live life.” Repent of actions and oversights in parenting as God reveals. Then, leave it. The enemy is the master guilt purveyor. Remember, God is the Perfect Father, and people choose to rebel against Him. Although we’re not perfect, God will work through our prayers. He is not surprised at these times. God is in the family (heart-turning) business.
~ Nan Robertson
Christ Fellowship