Why would he take me back in?

“If I were in his shoes, I would wonder why he would take me back in.” That was the comment a friend of mine made the other day during a recent conversation I had with him about the prodigal son in the parable. What a wonderfully meaningful question to ask! Why indeed would the father welcome that ungrateful son after all the pain he had inflicted upon him? It certainly could not be because the son wished to amend his ways, repair and renew his relationship with his father, and become the loving son the father had always hoped he would be. He was simply looking for three square meals a day. Not exactly the picture of perfect repentance and solid ground for a change of direction in his relationship with the father! It certainly was not either because of a stellar plea for mercy or a convincing defense prepared and expertly delivered. His father did not even let him finish his rather lackluster attempt at doing that. Nor was it because the young lad had redeeming qualities or the ability to charm his way out of tough situations. The young man who sheepishly approached the father was a picture of weakness, dejection, and failure.

I told my friend that his question would make a great prayer. Afterward though, upon reflection, I thought it would have to be modified slightly for that to be the case. It would have to be addressed directly to the Father rather than be a musing that is turned in on oneself. Rather than wondering, “Why in the world would the Father take me back in?” I would have to phrase the question thus, “Father, why would you take me back in?” Such a question would turn me away from myself toward God and open me up to listen to His answer deep within.  I have no doubt that it would soon come and sound something like this:

“This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.” 1 John 4,10