When We Are Prodigals

“Father, give me my share of the estate” Luke 15:12

I love to read books by the late Henri Nouwen. Although he was a highly educated man, he had a childlike relationship with the Lord. One of his books, ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son‘, had some fresh insights into this parable that I had not considered before.

It is all about our relationship with God our Father.

In essence, the prodigal son told his father,

“I don’t want you, just the things you can give me.”

I had habitually viewed a prodigal as someone who turned his back on God and didn’t come back for many years.

Nouwen observed that any of us can become prodigals several times a day.

Whenever we choose to use God as an “answer to prayer” dispenser, or if we remember Him only in times of crisis, we are like the prodigal son. We choose His gifts rather than Him.

Compared to the feast of love the Father wishes for us, we are often like the prodigal — eating pig’s food.

The good news is that no matter how often we turn away from God and focus on His resources rather than on Him, He is always there, waiting for us with outstretched arms.

We are always welcome to return and bask in His love and forgiveness.

Father, we cannot comprehend Your awesome love and Your total acceptance of Your children. We aren’t like that. Give us the grace to love You more. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Who is God to You – by Katherine Kehler

• The Father is Waiting – by Helen Lescheid

• Dirt Roads to Streets of Gold 

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