And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
One of my favorite scenes in the movie Hook is when the mother is reunited with her children. It is very touching after the drama to see a happy ending. There is a similar story in Genesis 46 when Jacob is reunited with Joseph, his son he thought was dead. Here in Luke 15 is the happy ending of the story when the father is reunited with the Prodigal Son. Except that is not the end. The older brother needs to learn about the beauty of reconciliation of separated people. He could have no better example than this scene in the field as the father forgets everything and RUNS to greet him. He threw off his dignity for the sake of getting there a half minute earlier, as if it were days. It is commemorated in many paintings throughout art history because of its poignant message. The father loves and forgives his son.
You may imagine God as a Holy Taskmaster with a disapproving air and a wagging finger, calling you a failure. That may have been the view of the older brother. Apart from pointing out how the older brother did not know the father, Jesus gave this parable to show who the Father really is. He lets us go and fall down but he is there when we fall to pick us up and embrace us. Praise the Lord! There is no more beautiful picture than that of us falling at his feet, only to be restored by his mercy and love. If he can run to you…
Run to him.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church