Prodigals, Pigpens & Pride: Lessons From the Prodigal Father & Sons
- Ray Reynolds, Ph.D.
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
To all the dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles, and father figures out there – Happy Father's Day! We celebrate you and everything you do. Being a dad is a unique and incredible journey. It's about being a protector, a teacher, a leader, a listener, and sometimes, even a personal ATM (just kidding... mostly!). It's about early morning wake-up calls, late-night stories, dirt bike riding, bruised shins, scraped knees, proud achievements, and endless unconditional love.
Whether you're teaching us to ride a bike, offering invaluable advice, sharing a laugh, or simply being there to lend a supportive ear, your presence shapes our lives in countless positive ways. The sacrifices you make, the wisdom you impart, and the love you give truly make a difference. My prayer is that you can take a moment to relax, enjoy, and bask in the appreciation you so richly deserve. We hope your day is filled with joy, laughter, and maybe even a little bit of peace and quiet (if that's on your wish list!).
My favorite father and son(s) story in the Bible is from a narrative presented by Jesus in Luke 15, often referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It offers profound insights into the nature of divine love. While the patriarch's name remains unstated, his actions and interactions with his two sons form the crux of this foundational story. The term "prodigal," as defined by Webster's Dictionary, signifies "recklessly extravagant; or characterized by wasteful expenditure," a descriptor initially applied to the younger son.
A common impediment to fully grasping the parable's truth lies in the tendency to narrowly interpret it as a dichotomy of good versus bad, with a simplistic inversion of roles by its conclusion. Such an interpretation overlooks a critical nuance: both sons grappled with analogous internal struggles, and the father addressed their individual shortcomings with distinct yet consistent love.
The father in this parable embodies an extraordinary accessibility. Although the family's precise history is unrevealed, it is plausible that the mother's absence left the father to shoulder the sole responsibility of raising his sons. His actions might also reflect a desire to finalize his affairs and prepare for his eventual demise. Furthermore, the narrative strongly suggests a family of considerable wealth and possessions.
The younger son harbored aspirations of exploration and novel experiences, seeking to venture into "the far country." However, his journey revealed a distance far greater than he had anticipated. His pursuit of a grand career culminated in overwhelming temptation; his yearning for adventure transformed into profound agony; his desire for prestige dissolved into destitution; his expectation of romance ended in squalor; and his dream of happiness led him to the ignominy of a hog pen. It was this profound descent that prompted his realization and subsequent return to a father who greeted him with unconditional acceptance.
The elder son, who had diligently assumed the management of the farm and household, appeared to be the logical heir to his father's estate. He exhibited qualities of faithfulness, strength, and reliability. Yet, the return of his younger brother unveiled deeply rooted selfish desires within him. Despite the elder son's reaction, the father engaged him with attentiveness, offered consolation, and earnestly sought to mend the familial rift.
The father in Luke 15 emerges as a figure of profound spiritual conviction. The younger son's repentance, born from a recognition of his transgressions against both man and God, strongly suggests a foundational spiritual upbringing (Proverbs 22:6). This spiritual influence is further evident in the father's empathetic dialogue with the elder son, where he endeavors to awaken his son's conscience to the inherent joy of his brother's restoration, thus demonstrating the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Before I close this blog I want to thank my dad for his love and forgiveness. I’ve had to make the trip home like the prodigal son. For many years I gave up hope, believing lies, and refusing to reconnect. By the grace of God we’ve restored our relationship. I found myself longing for reconciliation. Thankfully we’ve turned things around. But I had to swallow my pride, apologize and plead for restoration. My dad was more than willing to forgive me and move forward. Both our wives have been instrumental in making this happen. I’m forever grateful for my father and both my grandfathers for their wisdom and guidance.
This Father's Day, if you're feeling a disconnect with your dad, remember it's never too late to bridge the gap. Relationships, like everything else, can be restored and strengthened with a little effort and understanding. Take a moment to reach out, share a memory, or simply express your appreciation. Sometimes, the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference. Here's to mending what's broken and building even stronger bonds. Let’s make it a Happy Father's Day!
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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