Our Prodigal Father, Who Art in Heaven
Our Prodigal Father, Who Art in Heaven
by David C. Reardon
We are all familiar with the parable known as “The Prodigal Son.” But the title of this parable was not given to it by Christ or the Gospel writers. Like all the subtitles used throughout modern editions of the Bible, it was a late addition that only found its way into the Bible centuries later.
In our modern era, the term prodigal is rarely used except in the context of this parable. For many years–decades, really–it was always my impression that the “prodigal” son meant a “wayward” or even a “degenerate” son. In fact, “prodigal” means “lavish” or “recklessly extravagant.”
Certainly this describes the son’s behavior as he squandered his inheritance on partying with his fair-weather friends. But isn’t it also curious that upon his return, his older brother rebukes their father for his own prodigal celebration of his wayward son’s return? A fatted calf, new fine clothes, an expensive ring . . . these and more were lavished upon the son who once was dead but was now returned.
Imagine how the repentant son felt as the object of his father’s generosity. Surely he felt great thankfulness and joy, but is it not likely that this lad, who would have been satisfied to be accepted merely as a lowly servant, also felt unworthy of his father’s many gifts? If he had heard his brother’s complaint against him, is it not likely that he would have agreed? Why should he, who had rudely demanded his inheritance and then squandered it on “loose women,” be not only forgiven, but embraced and celebrated?
Who in this parable is filled with the greatest joy? Clearly, it is the father. The prodigal son surely is filled with joy at being accepted back into the family, but it is the prodigal father who cannot resist an immediate and extravagant celebration, even before his oldest son has returned from the fields.
This parable masterfully teaches us not only how our Heavenly Father forgives us when we repent and return to Him, but also how God’s lavish joy at our return far exceeds even our own joy in being restored to our heavenly family.
Often we hear of women and men who have been involved in abortion and who feel that they have squandered their spiritual inheritance and are unworthy of God’s forgiveness. It is certainly true that none of us deserve His forgiveness for any of our sins. But the parable of the prodigal father teaches us that our unworthiness is eclipsed by God’s great desire to see us reunited with His family. Like the prodigal father in the parable, our Heavenly Father stands watching and waiting for our humble return.
Be not afraid. No matter how much you have sinned against Him, our loving Father is waiting to ignite all of Heaven in celebration of your return. Let us go to Him, trusting that His mercy and joy at our return will exceed even our greatest hopes.
