Homecoming

Ever read something that conjours so tangible an image in your mind that it takes your breath away? Night before last I was lieing accross my sofa opening my new adventure/book "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri J.M. Nouwen, glass of wine on the floor next to me and high expectations of the contents awaiting my perusal...

I've heard many friends talk about this book and it's amazing insights into one of Jesus' most famous parables. Dan Slatter leant it to me as I'm speaking on the Prodigal Son in a few weeks in Revs. My anticipation was great.

As I started my journey into Nouwen's thoughts and experiences I knew I was going to enjoy myself but when he started to describe his reaction to Rembrandt's "Prodigal Son" painting I was floored. My imagination spun off, the book was forgotten and my mind was full of what would it be like to fall to my knees and grab my Father God around the waist, holding on for dear life and begging forgiveness. In my mind Father God was a slightly portly, warm and accutely alive man. I could feel His heat on my face, hear His heart beat in my ear and feel His hands cup my sholders. I could hear Him take a breath and then say softly, "look up"...

I think I might end my talk with a meditation. We are all the prodigal son, straying from Jesus best and throwing ourselves on the grace and mercy of God but I think it's easy to get distanced from this story. Steve and I are scheming, I think I might try something a little more creative with this one... xc

Comments

[Tim Rose]

Hey Carla,

I read this book in the last year and it impacted me big style. For the first time when looking at the prodigal son I focussed on the older son. I saw his stubborness cynicism and down right refusal to party in the face of his fathers incredible grace. I saw so much of my own character in him 'unfortunately'. I also saw how at times i've been in all 3 roles it really humbled me. Enjoy the rest and I hope the preach goes well.

[jude]

Amen and amen.. loved it! I'm just rereading his journal from the time that inspired the Prodigal book (called Inner Voice of Love. and the most impactin ting I ever read).

[Ben Wilkes]

Hi carla

That book sounds very interesting indeed. I just read Jeff's latest one called 'will your prodical come home'. It is a fantastic book and really opened up the prodical story in a very raw and real way. If you want to give it a read before your preach, give me a shout and I'll get my copy to you. No pressure tho!

Ben

[Carla]

Hey Ben,

Jeff's book sounds great! I'll see how I am for time when I finish this one but I may indeed come a calling for that one. Thanks for the reccommendation :) xc