Mariah stood at the wooden table kneading bread, and as the sun headed for the western horizon, she knew her husband and their two sons would be heading home from the fields for the evening meal.
She served rich, lentil stew to her husband, the eldest son, then the younger son, before sitting down herself. Her husband prayed a blessing over the food. It was then she noticed the younger son seemed angry and defiant. What is troubling him? she wondered.
“Father, ” the teen boy said, “give me my share of the estate.” Mariah and her husband exchanged quick glances. The older son stopped with his hand midway to his mouth. It was Mariah who spoke first. “But why?” “I’m leaving,” the boy replied, keeping his eyes fixed on his father.
The father rose from the table and disappeared into their bedroom. Mariah hurried behind. “You can’t,” she pleaded. “I must,” he said, without looking at her. “But, he’s just a boy. Who will care for him?” “He is a stubborn, rebellious son. He is choosing to learn the hard way.” His voice betrayed his anguish. So, the father divided his estate and gave their son his portion.
“No, my son, do not do this,” Mariah cried, as her husband stood there with his eyes closed and his chest heaving.
The boy stormed out the door and headed down the dusty road. Mariah started after him, but her husband put his arm gently, but firmly, around her shaking shoulders. She buried her face against his chest and sobbed.
Day after day, Mariah watched her husband scan the horizon for their son. Mariah, too, studied the road for any trace of the boy.
One day, a neighbor brought word of the runaway. “He squandered all his money in wild living, and because of the famine, he hired himself out to a man who sent him to feed the pigs.” Mariah collapsed against her husband, wailing and sobbing. “I’m sorry,” the neighbor said, turned and left.
Several weeks later as Mariah and her husband stood on the porch, as usual, they spotted a lone figure in the distance.
She squinted, straining to make out who it was. The figure came closer. “It’s him!” she gasped. “Our prodical son.” Her husband, filled with compassion, ran towards the lad. He threw his arms around their son and kissed his neck. Mariah trembled on wobbly legs. “My son,” she cried, hugging their disheveled and scrawny boy.
The boy, aged beyond his young years, wept. “I have sinned against you, Father. I am sorry. I am so sorry, Mother.” He looked into the sad faces of his parents. “Can you ever forgive me?” Mariah and her husband tightened their arms around him. “Yes, we forgive you,” they said in unison.
Mariah watched years of sadness, disappointment, and heartache wash down her husband’s face, but the constant love they both had always felt towards their son remained in his eyes. That night, they celebrated his homecoming.
Perhaps you have a prodigal or a wayward child, regardless of age, and you are at your wits end at to what to do. Do not lose hope. May I offer four practical and Biblical suggestions: first and foremost; Seek the Lord in prayer for His wisdom, guidance and strength to do whatever needs to be done – however that may look in your particular situation; and pray for protection and reconciliation for the wayward one (Philippians 4:6-7). Second: Love your son or daughter, without enabling him/her, without blaming others for his/her poor choices, and without losing hope (1 John 13:34). Third, Seek Biblical counseling (Proverbs 15:22). Fourth: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5).
This post is taken from a parable Jesus spoke, recorded in Luke 15:11-32.
Biblical principles: Repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32