Did you receive your invitation to your family reunion? Were you excited because it has been so long since you have seen your relatives or disappointed because you have enjoyed the break? If you are excited, what are you looking forward to? If you are hesitant, why? Have new tensions arisen or are old grudges still casting a dark shadow over these meetings? Jesus once told a story about a family reunion that may help. Have you heard it?

    They shared a family name, had similar features, and lived in the same house. They were born to the same parents. These brothers, though, were very different. The older brother was responsible and serious. He worked hard and did the right things the right way. The younger was the wild child. He was carefree and careless. He looked at his father’s routine, quiet life on the ranch and wanted no part of it. He looked at his brother and saw the same life ahead for him as he followed in their father’s footsteps. “This is not for me”, he said to himself. 

    One day, he announced that he wanted his half of the estate, his inheritance. He couldn’t wait until his father passed on, he wanted his cut and he wanted it now. His brother was disgusted at such disrespect. His father, with a heavy heart, agreed and handed him the money. Within a few days he was gone. He got to the end of the lane and paused, deciding that it didn’t matter which way he went as long as it was away from here and from them. He wanted to go somewhere that no one knew him or his father. He wanted a fresh start somewhere exciting.  

    He found the place he was looking for. It was a bustling city full of new things to see, do, and experience. He quickly became the most popular guy in the bar as he paid for his new friends to join him in a life of unrestrained partying. Wine, women, and song as they say. He loved his new life and these exciting new people. Now this was living! 

    The day came when his money ran out, his pockets were empty, and his friends were gone. Treating him like he had treated his father, they went off in search of the next person to use for their own entertainment. Hard times hit and work was tough to find. Finally, he took a job on a farm feeding pigs. He was so poor, so hungry he found himself envying the pigs and wanting their dinner for himself. If this wasn’t rock bottom, he could sure see it from there!

    The day came that he was hungry enough to eat humble pie. He put on his cleanest dirty shirt and started the long walk home. He rehearsed his speech over and over. “Father, I have sinned against God and against you. Forgive me. Please let me come back and work for you as a hired hand. I don’t deserve to be your son, but I need your help.” 

    He could just make out the house in the distance when some movement caught his eye. His father was running down the lane in his direction. He took a deep breath and started his speech, but his father didn’t let him finish. He hugged his son who had been gone so long, kissed him, and made plans for a feast to celebrate the return of this prodigal. His son was home!

    The older brother was not happy to see this ingrate return. “Where’s my party? I have been faithfully serving my father all this time and no one celebrates me!” Their father came and reminded his oldest son that he has always experienced his father’s love and provision. Now, it was time to rejoice and celebrate the return of the one who had left, the reunion of the family. It was time to be together. 

    As you reflect on this story recorded in Luke 15, can you relate? Jesus tells us that if you have something against someone, you need to go to them and make it right. If someone has something against you, go to them and make it right. We all need to return to the Father in humility and repentance for our selfish rebellion and seek His forgiveness. We need to come to Him through His Son, Jesus. When we stop running away and turn for home, we find the Father waiting, full of grace, ready to forgive! We then need to extend the same grace we receive to others as well. 

    Is it time? Return to your family and make things right. Return to the church and engage with your church family. Turn to God for the forgiveness and life that only He can offer. Experience grace, share grace, enjoy the reunion. Welcome home!