For the final nine days of Lent, and then on Easter Sunday, we will be looking at our last parable in this series, The Parable of the Lost Son. It is the third of the "lost" parables in Luke 15, and is the most personal and intimate. The lost one is not a sheep, or a coin, as important as those items may be to the owner, but a son. This is one's flesh and blood, one a parent has poured his or her life into. If you've ever felt like you've "lost" a son or daughter, either literally or figuratively, then you will feel the emotion of this parable.
It should also be mentioned as we begin the study of this parable that there is a second son, the older brother, who faithfully stays with his father at home. In the previous two parables (the lost sheep and the lost coin), the parables conclude with the lost item found and calling the neighbors and friends to celebrate. In this parable, the reaction of the older brother and comments by his father, introduce another dimension to how we understand God's grace.
For today, let us focus on the personal, the love for a parent and child. If you are a parent, pray for your children this day, regardless of their age. Be grateful for their presence in your lives and all they mean to you. If a relationship is strained or broken, pray God might find a way to bring healing in God's time and way. And then pray for your own parents, or, if they have left this life, give thanks for all they did and meant to you. Finally, pray for your siblings and be grateful for the role they have played in your life. This parable begins with family relationships, "There was a man who had two sons." Let us be grateful for our families and for God who cares for us like a loving parent.
Just last week in Sunday School we talked about how our parenting experiences help to give us a glimpse of understanding regarding our relationship with God. Although I pray regularly for my children, I appreciate this reminder to pray passionately and gratefully for them!
ReplyDelete