WALKING AWAY FROM LOVE

None of the parables of Jesus is intended to convey the full theology of salvation. Rather each is designed to bring into sharp relief some particular aspect(s) of salvation; they should not be abused by “overstretching”.

This is the case with the parable of the Prodigal Son. What is brought into clear focus in this story is the fact that the father of the prodigal never loses his love for him, despite everything he has done to bring him distress. The father never ceases to think about his son, never gives up hope that he will return. He holds in his heart a deep well of forgiveness, deep enough to cover all the rejection and hurt that he has felt on account of his son’s behaviour. He is not unaware of the selfish motives of his son and his lust for money and pleasure, but none of that quenches his fatherly love. The young man is his son, made in his own image; his love remains strong. What a picture of the love of God.

What is equally clear on the other hand is that the son put himself out of the range of his father’s love. Indeed he had never really seen the love which was in his father, only the constraints and strictures on his freedom to do what he wanted. It never occurred to him that the constraints were the constraints of love and for his benefit. He wanted only the resources his father could give him, and he wanted “his own life”. His father allowed him to make the choice and leave the home. He walked away from his father’s love. That is the fundamental human tragedy where God is concerned.

It proved to be a devastating choice. Of course, like the apple in Eden, its first taste was sweet, but inevitably his selfish love of pleasure soured. His resources ran out, and he was alone. His own concept of freedom (freedom to do exactly what he wanted) had proved utterly illusionary. It had led him to penury and heartache. He was reaping the reward of his rejection of his father – it was his moment of painful judgement. Humanity can walk away from God. It has that option. There is, however, no option with the consequence of that. It is always deeply destructive and bitter. This is true whether we think of individuals or nations. This is an inherent and unchangeable feature of the nature of creation.

A final aspect brought into sharp relief in the parable is to be seen in the expressions, “He began to be in want” and “He came to himself”. The recognition of self inflicted penury brought about a change of heart which in turn brought about a change of direction, “I will go to my father.” Broken, he would walk back into the zone of his father’s love and would seek a restoration. He was not disappointed. He found that love overflowing with forgiveness, affirmation and provision. This “turning round and going back” is so crucial. It’s the great cry of all the prophets to Israel, “Come back to the Lord your God!” It presents a further moment of choice, one on which depends our present peace and our eternal joy. We are called to deliberately make that choice.


Bob




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