LESSONS FROM THE PRODIGAL SON – RESTORATION

When someone, genuinely repents, and returns back, to seek forgiveness, we should reconcile with the person. The process of healing, should not end with reconciliation alone. For what use is reconciliation, if it does not include restoration? Every effort should be made to restore the relationship back to what it was. This is what the LORD God Almighty, is doing with the fallen world, through the redemption offered in Christ Jesus, isn’t it?

Of course, when something breaks, it cannot be brought back to its original shape. When effort is put as honestly as one did with repentance and forgiveness, though the scars may remain visible, the relationship can be restored. This is clearly visible, from the way the father went about, not only forgiving the prodigal son, but also reconciling with him, and then goes even further, by restoring the place, and the position, that the prodigal son had earlier.

The Bible records this in Luke 15:21-24 about what the father did in response to the prodigal son’s request for forgiveness, and be accepted as a servant…
– “21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.”

The process of reconciliation and restoration are critical in healing a broken relationship. However, it would not be an easy road. When we approach the reconciliation and restoration, with a sincere heart, it can be done. The heart of the people concerned should step forward in love, forgiveness and accepting spirit…just like the father in the parable, who is true representation of our heavenly Father.

The father was not focussed on the hurt and the damage, cause by the prodigal. The father was focussed on the fact, that the dead son had returned. Therefore, the reconciliation and the restoration…which called for the celebrations…
– “31 “And he said to him, [the elder son] ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ” – Luke 15:31-32

Now how about us? Not an easy road to walk? Sure it is not. Let us follow the example of the FATHER – our heavenly Father – who chose to pay the price for our redemption, by His own blood…and has offered us forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration. Even so the LORD help us.