This parable must surely be the best known of all the stories told by Jesus. The son wishes his Dad dead ('give me my inheritance , NOW!') and makes his way to wreck and ruin. Finally he comes to his senses and makes his way back home. There is a great moment when the Dad welcomes him, but as you read on, the other brother is not happy about this at all!
Family life is difficult. Someone once said: you can choose your friends, but there is no choice with family. I know of many families where there are rifts between siblings or children with their parents. Oh boy, and when it comes to inheritance - there's fuel for family feud.
So when Jesus teaches us to pray and sets up the first line with 'Our Father, who is in heaven', we are brought into the context of God's family - including the dynamics and dysfunctional aspects of each one of us. What a project: reconciliation with God as our Heavenly Father, and through his Son, Jesus Christ, we are brought into a place of healing. Even healing among all of humanity?! Lots of work to be done, lots of egos to overcome, lots of hurt to be forgiven.
Scripture tells us that as Christians we have been enlisted in Christ's cause as 'ministers of reconciliation' (see NT, 2 Corinthians 5:18). Isn't it amazing that is starts in the home?! I know of missionaries who have no fear in going to far away places in the cause of Christ, but are reluctant to share the same zeal for the Gospel with their own family members. So, are we more like the son in this story that rebelled or more like the other son who just refused - both are actually wrong ; both are in desparate need of healing and restoration.
Repentance means: to return and face each other again. God's call is to repent - to return to him, and each other. This is the first step to overcome our problems - then it's ... let's talk!
Rev.'D
