The prodigal son did not go home because he wanted to make amends to his father. He went home because he needed a place to be cared for, and he knew his father’s caring heart based on his father’s consistent actions.
Me too. Dad has proven His heart for me, and I can consistently lean in to Him.
This is what Jesus wanted us to know. Dad is not and has never been unapproachable as some religious writers would have us think.
He does whatever He needs to do to be with us, and He comes in whatever form He can be closest to us when we allow Him to come close. He does this for ALL people without exception. Immanuel: God with us.
I want my children to always know that they can come home – no matter what, and that is why I do the work needed to stay in healing so that I can be more like Dad. Because the moment that I asked for healing I was healed (even though I did not know it yet). And then Dad taught me what I was healed from, how to stay in healing, and how to claim healing when I am wounded by my hand or someone else’s hand again.
But have you ever wondered why the son went away? I imagine that his brother who stayed at home was just as he had always been. I wonder if that brother’s attitude overshadowed the father’s love and caused the prodigal son to blame the father for his hurt.
Of Thunderstorms and Rainbows 