A CALL TO THE PRODIGALS by Raphael ben Levi
“How great is Your goodness which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You do for those who take refuge in You.” Ps. 31:20
The Jewish theologian, Martin Buber, shared a story about a king’s son who rebelled against his father and was banished from the sight of his face. After a time, the king was moved with compassion and commanded messengers to go in search of him. It was not long before he was discovered far from home at a village inn, dancing barefoot in a torn shirt in the company of drunken peasants. The courtier bowed and said: “Your father has sent me to ask you what you desire. Whatever it may be, he is prepared to grant your wish.” The prince began to weep. “Oh,” said he, “if only I had warm clothing and a pair of stout shoes!” Many people sell themselves far short of what God has for them – always the best, never less – gathering the scraps instead of the fullness.
We see this played out in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Whilst he was in exile and at his lowest point, he devised a face saving plan. He would return to his father as a hired servant and ask for his father’s forgiveness. So, he made his way home but while he was yet a good way off, his father saw him and his heart was filled with joy. He ran to his son and fell on his neck embracing and kissing him repeatedly; a social convention of reconciliation between two disputing parties. It was considered undignified for a person to pull up his robes to run. Yet, the father chose to humiliate himself in public before the community so his son would be spared their harsh judgment. When the prodigal saw his father’s response and realised that he had not been rejected, he cried out in anguish: ”I am no longer worthy to be called your son!” Yet, that was exactly how he was reinstated with honour, dignity and celebration.
A striking feature of the parable was the depth of the father’s love, so great that He paid no thought of defiling himself by reaching out to His wayward son smeared with the stench of unclean animals. God always takes the initiative but our response is crucial. The parable doesn’t reveal how things were ultimately played out and whether there was a ‘happy-ever-after’ ending; that is left to our imagination. But, it does cause us to reflect upon the many second chances bestowed upon us by our Heavenly father.
Irrespective of our mistakes, past failures, disappointments or the harsh things in life that have torn us to pieces, one thing remains constant, God’s love, who stays alert for the returning prodigals – people just like you and me.
