Scanning the Horizon

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:11-24 ESV).

I love Christmas! It is a time for homecoming. All across the nation there will be many people who will travel to their homes to be with their families. Today’s reading is also about a homecoming. Perhaps you have heard of Rembrandt (1606-1669), one of the greatest Dutch painters. Rembrandt was able to combine the skill of art and poetry to create a type of portraiture, which had been untried. He gave his painting an air of mystery while combining action, drama and violent contrasts of light and dark. Yet, there were days when Rembrandt wished he were never born. Yes, he did marry a prominent Dutch girl and became wealthy as he built up a large art portfolio. But tragedy struck as his 3 young children died and his wife died 8 years after their marriage. Rembrandt withdrew from society and his popularity diminished. He made some poor financial decisions and could not pay his debtors. He married his housekeeper who helped protect his works from creditors. She died soon after, along with his son, Titus. When Rembrandt died, people had almost entirely forgotten him. However, his last painting, The Prodigal Son, depicts the true Rembrandt. It reveals a son, kneeling at the feet of the Father, crushed and repentant, seeking pardon for the life he had squandered. The Father extends a hand of love and forgiveness, while offering hope and consolation. Rembrandt was this son. He realized he was the lost son who had recklessly lavished the family fortunes away. The scene is sad, melancholy, yet tinted with an enigmatic aura of expectant hopefulness. Though considering himself a failure, Rembrandt sensed the Father's arm of mercy and grace embracing him.

That is the picture Luke gives us in this story of Jesus. God is scanning the horizon looking for the homecoming of His children. Perhaps He is looking for you today. You may have been wearily trudging through life; not knowing whether there was a home to go to or not. The news of this Christmas season is that there is a home waiting for you. Your heavenly Father is looking for you and waits with open arms ready to receive you back no matter what your past may have been. All that is necessary to get there is to ask Him for His forgiveness and you will be immediately at home in His arms! Come home today!