Romans 8:7-8
We
must answer this question, “to whom do I belong, to God, or to the world?” Beneath
it all is the great rebellion, the radical “No” to the Father’s love, the
unspoken curse. The prodigals “no” reflects Adam’s original rebellion, his
rejection of God. We have preferred the distant country, the world in which everything
considered holy at home is disregarded. There is something within us that keeps
us clinging to our sin and keeps us from letting God erase our past, offering to
us a new beginning. (Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son)
Life
is a deep bitter struggle with sin and sorrow, an ongoing war- a blazing battlefield
of the mind! Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans how to be of the same
mind, (like-minded) with God through the Gospel and the promises and power of
the Holy Spirit within us.
God’s
love doesn’t force itself on us. Still, Jesus’ ministry insists that God is
crazy with love for us. The Parable of The Prodigal Son makes obvious that God
can’t bear to be without us! “Though I
knew it was His love who followed, yet was I sore a dread, lest having Him I
must have naught beside.” (The Hound of Heaven, Francis Thompson)
On
the last day of our lives when Jesus calls us by name, “come blessed of my Father,”
it will not be because Abba is just, but because His name is mercy.” Many of us
will be bloodied, battered, bruised and limping, and there will be a light in
the window and a “Welcome Home” sign on the door. (Brennan Manning, The
Ragamuffin Gospel.)
For
you beloved son, for your life of struggle (and faith) a witness to many.
