If we were to begin a debate on granting or receiving forgiveness, which experience would you consider to be more difficult? We have talked about receiving already in this series Tattered and Mended so now we move to the notion of granting forgiveness.
The stories from scripture today are legendary and are filled with amazing imagery. We imagine the Mediterranean farm space somewhere in a community near one of the major trade routes that spans the land of Israel, where a young man asks for his inheritance, because he doesn’t want farm life, but is looking for some action. The son’s desires are common. “I can hardly wait to grow up so I can be out of here.” It reminds me of the small town in KY where our family lived for nearly a decade. It is the community where I graduated from HS. Many of my friends who had grown up in that town could hardly wait to move away. The ones I remember complaining about LaGrange the most are the very ones living there today, 40 years after our graduation. Oh, they did leave, but only for a time. I cannot say it was a Prodigal event but a youthful wanderlust.
We should not forget that in this era of our lives, 18 year olds are the most intelligent they will ever be. In addition, because 18 year olds have broad and superb experience – they – we – I knew everything. At least that is what I remember. Now at my age, I consider what I know to diminish nearly daily. The more I learn the less I know. It is humbling, but that is not where this young man is in his life.
The father is older, wiser than his son is, and he knows about this impulse to run away and be free. He remembers. Therefore, when the son comes, he grants the request. Some things in life cannot be explained even to kids who “know it all.”
We will be discussing this parable and more, including Jesus teaching on prayer. They are connected because no one would engage in the matters at hand without spiritual preparation, praying fasting, seeking the presence of God. Then, knowing and acting – expending the stored up spiritual resources to bestow upon another who comes seeking forgiveness.
No one will ever have success in granting or seeking forgiveness without substantial spiritual insight and preparation. Hitting “rock bottom” is a form of preparation. Building spiritual reserves is preparation.
Pastor Todd
Personal Note: Patti has asked me to use this forum to thank you for the cards, the prayers and gifts, during this journey. I am writing this today from the Infusion Center at Good Samaritan Hospital where we are receiving hope in the form of chemotherapy. Thank You All!