There once was a man who set out to build a life for himself. He worked hard and built a good life for himself. A home. Land. Livestock. Hired help. He married and had two sons who he raised well to take over his business in his retirement. But one of his sons wasn't on-board with his dad's plan and wanted his share as soon as he turned 18.
Disappointed the man obliged and sold off half of the business he had worked so hard to build. He handed a sack of money to his son who promptly turned and ran away.
Most people know how this story ends - forgiveness, redemption and reunion.
I taught this story in Sunday School this morning. Sometimes the kids fidget as I try to get through the lesson. Today, it was silent. They were really listening.
Perhaps the story was relatable because it was about parents and children. But perhaps. The story of redemption and always having a home to come back to is a powerful gospel and even young children grasp the implications of unending grace.
Our craft of the day was to make welcome signs to hang on our front doors and to write messages of grace with sidewalk chalk in front of the church to remind us that no matter what happens, we can always go home and we can always go to church. There will always be a place.
I've always read this story and taken the view point of the good son. But today, telling it to my own kids, I could take no other perspective than the father's. I can't imagine having any other reaction if one if my children were lost and then they came home.
Joy. Gratitude. Tears.
Lent is so much about walking the way of a believer. Walking with Christ. Doing the hard work to try to shape myself in his likeness. I spend Lent trying to be the good brother. Buy God celebrates me just as I am a much as I celebrate my children just as they are.
This is a simple story and simple message. I did in fact teach it to 3 year olds this morning. But that is what makes it so powerful. We can all grasp it, hold it and cling to it. It is a promise for us all.
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