Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606–1669
The Return of the Prodigal Son (1668) (Luke 15:21)
God . . . has given us the ministry of reconciliation . . . —2 Corinthians 5:18
Today’s Bible reading contains one of the most well known family stories in all of Scripture—the Parable of the Lost Son.
In his book The Return of the Prodigal Son, Author Henri Nouwen suggests that all Christians, at some point in their walk of faith, are represented by each of the three main characters in the parable. At times we are the wayward child in need of repentance and forgiveness; at other times we are the big brother who wants to hold on to resentment and withhold forgiveness. But if we mature, we become like the father, whose highest desire is to have all his children reconciled.
Nouwen ended the book with these words: “As I look at my own aging hands, I know that they have been given to me to stretch out to all who suffer, to rest upon the shoulders of all who come, and to offer the blessing that emerges from the immensity of God’s love.”
As we begin Holy Week, consider what role you are playing in your family story. Do you need the courage to repent and seek forgiveness? Or do you need the compassion to extend forgiveness? God wants us to be His ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Holidays are a good time to practice. —Julie Ackerman Link
Lord, grant me the courage to confess my faults to those I’ve offended and the grace to accept the confessions of those who have offended me. May I become a true minister of reconciliation by using all my strength to bless the world on your behalf.
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Copyright © 2005 Julie Ackerman Link
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