Retrun to God: Journey of the Prodigal

Return to GodReturn to God
The Law of GraceThe Law of Grace
2 Cor 3:62 Cor 3:6
He has made us competent asHe has made us competent as
ministers of a new covenant –ministers of a new covenant –
not of the letter but of the Spirit;not of the letter but of the Spirit;
for the letter kills, but the Spiritfor the letter kills, but the Spirit
givers life.givers life.
Ehab RoufailEhab Roufail

23rd July 2010 The Law of Grace 2
OutlineOutline
• The Rich Young ManThe Rich Young Man
• The Prodigal SonsThe Prodigal Sons
– Directed to whom?Directed to whom?
– The younger brotherThe younger brother
– The elder brotherThe elder brother
• Sin RedefinedSin Redefined
• How to repentHow to repent
• The Law of GraceThe Law of Grace

The Rich Young ManThe Rich Young Man
Mark 10:Mark 10:
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on
his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must Ihis knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I
do to inherit eternal life?"do to inherit eternal life?"
18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is
good—except God alone.good—except God alone.
19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not
commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, docommit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do
not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"
20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a
boy."boy."
21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he
said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, andsaid. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and
you will have treasure in heaven.you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.Then come, follow me.""
22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he
had great wealth.had great wealth.

The Rich Young ManThe Rich Young Man
• Why did the young man fall to his knees?Why did the young man fall to his knees?
• Who did Jesus try and tell him He was?Who did Jesus try and tell him He was?
• What was wrong with his question?What was wrong with his question?
21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has
been made known, to which the Law and the Prophetsbeen made known, to which the Law and the Prophets
testify. 22This righteousness from God comes throughtestify. 22This righteousness from God comes through
faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is nofaith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no
difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of thedifference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his graceglory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:21-24Romans 3:21-24
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: WhileBut God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While
we were still sinners, Christ died for us.we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8Romans 5:8

The Prodigal SonThe Prodigal Son

The Prodigal SonsThe Prodigal Sons
Luke 15:1-3Luke 15:1-3
1 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear1 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear
him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "Thishim. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This
man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3 Then Jesus told them thisman welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3 Then Jesus told them this
parable…parable…
Luke 15:11-32Luke 15:11-32
11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The
younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.'younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.'
So he divided his property between them. 13 "Not long after that, theSo he divided his property between them. 13 "Not long after that, the
younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country andyounger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and
there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spentthere squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent
everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and heeverything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he
began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen ofbegan to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of
that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fillthat country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill
his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave himhis stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him
anything. 17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of myanything. 17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my
father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have
sinned against heaven and against you.sinned against heaven and against you.

19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like
one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and
was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw hiswas filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his
arms around him and kissed him. 21 "The son said to him,arms around him and kissed him. 21 "The son said to him,
'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no
longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said tolonger worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to
his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put ahis servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a
ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattenedring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened
calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this soncalf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son
of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'
So they began to celebrate.So they began to celebrate.

25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came
near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he callednear the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called
one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Yourone of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your
brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed thebrother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the
fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 28fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 28
"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his
father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered hisfather went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his
father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you andfather, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and
never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even anever disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a
young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But whenyoung goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when
this son of yours who has squandered your property withthis son of yours who has squandered your property with
prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and
everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and beeverything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be
glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again;glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again;
he was lost and is found.' "he was lost and is found.' "

Ugliness of SinUgliness of Sin

Why did the son leave his father’s house?Why did the son leave his father’s house?
 i) Freedomi) Freedom
 ii) Independenceii) Independence
 ““So he went and hired himself out to a citizen ofSo he went and hired himself out to a citizen of
that country, who sent him to his fields to feedthat country, who sent him to his fields to feed
pigs…”pigs…” Luke 15:5Luke 15:5
Sin is servitudeSin is servitude
not freedom.not freedom.

Then God said, “Let Us make manThen God said, “Let Us make man
in Our image, according to Ourin Our image, according to Our
likeness; let them have dominionlikeness; let them have dominion
over theover the fishfish of the sea, over theof the sea, over the
birdsbirds of the air, and over theof the air, and over the
cattlecattle, over, over all the earthall the earth andand
overover every creeping thingevery creeping thing thatthat
creeps on the earth.”creeps on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26Genesis 1:26
God created us to be freeGod created us to be free

What was his job?What was his job?
 Feeding pigsFeeding pigs
(a humiliating job for a jew)(a humiliating job for a jew)
Sin = Servitude + HumiliationSin = Servitude + Humiliation

AdamAdam NabuchadnezzerNabuchadnezzer
• “…“…And you shall eat theAnd you shall eat the
herb of the field.”herb of the field.” GenesisGenesis
3:183:18
• ““Also, to every beast of theAlso, to every beast of the
earth, to every bird of theearth, to every bird of the
air, and to everything thatair, and to everything that
creeps on the earth, increeps on the earth, in
which [there is] life, [I havewhich [there is] life, [I have
given] every green herb forgiven] every green herb for
food; and it was so.”food; and it was so.”
Genesis 1:30Genesis 1:30
• ““That very hour the wordThat very hour the word
was fulfilled concerningwas fulfilled concerning
Nebuchadnezzar; he wasNebuchadnezzar; he was
driven from men and atedriven from men and ate
grass like oxen; his bodygrass like oxen; his body
was wet with the dew ofwas wet with the dew of
heaven till his hair hadheaven till his hair had
grown like eagles'grown like eagles'
[feathers] and his nails like[feathers] and his nails like
birds' [claws].”birds' [claws].”
Daniel 4:33Daniel 4:33
Slavery to sin makes us lower than animals?Slavery to sin makes us lower than animals?

When did he start to be in need?When did he start to be in need?
 ““But when he had spent all, there arose aBut when he had spent all, there arose a
severe famine in that land, and he began to besevere famine in that land, and he began to be
in want.”in want.” Luke 15:14Luke 15:14
 Nothing is going well for him.Nothing is going well for him.
Sin = Lack of BlessingSin = Lack of Blessing

• ““They do not say in theirThey do not say in their
heart, “Let us now fear theheart, “Let us now fear the
LORD our God, Who givesLORD our God, Who gives
rain, both the former andrain, both the former and
the latter, in its season. Hethe latter, in its season. He
reserves for us thereserves for us the
appointed weeks of theappointed weeks of the
harvest.””harvest.””
• ““Your iniquities have turnedYour iniquities have turned
these [things] away, Andthese [things] away, And
your sins have withheldyour sins have withheld
good from you.”good from you.”
Jeremiah 5: 24, 25Jeremiah 5: 24, 25
• “…“… We look for light, butWe look for light, but
there is darkness! Forthere is darkness! For
brightness, [but] we walk inbrightness, [but] we walk in
blackness!”blackness!”
• ““For our transgressions areFor our transgressions are
multiplied before You, Andmultiplied before You, And
our sins testify against us;our sins testify against us;
For our transgressions [are]For our transgressions [are]
with us…”with us…”
Isaiah 59: 9, 12Isaiah 59: 9, 12
Sin keeps us in darknessSin keeps us in darkness

Ugliness of sinUgliness of sin
Sin = Servitude NOTSin = Servitude NOT
FreedomFreedom
Sin = Servitude +Sin = Servitude +
HumiliationHumiliation
Sin = Lack of BlessingSin = Lack of Blessing

1. BUT WHEN HE CAME TO1. BUT WHEN HE CAME TO
HIMSELF… LUKE 15:17HIMSELF… LUKE 15:17
2. HOW MANY OF MY2. HOW MANY OF MY
FATHER'S HIRED SERVANTSFATHER'S HIRED SERVANTS
HAVE BREAD ENOUGH ANDHAVE BREAD ENOUGH AND
TO SPARE, AND I PERISHTO SPARE, AND I PERISH
WITH HUNGER … LUKE 15:17WITH HUNGER … LUKE 15:17
• Sit with yourselfSit with yourself
• Don’t try to findDon’t try to find
excuses for yourselfexcuses for yourself
“But now they
have no excuse
for their sin.”
John 15:22
Come to our sensesCome to our senses

3. I WILL ARISE AND GO TO MY FATHER … LUKE 15:183. I WILL ARISE AND GO TO MY FATHER … LUKE 15:18
• Don’t postpone repentanceDon’t postpone repentance
“He made haste and
came down…”
Luke 19:6
“Immediately he and all
his family were
baptized.”
Acts 16:33
“You are the man…
‘I have sinned against
the LORD.’”
2 Samuel 12: 7, 13
Get up and returnGet up and return

4. his father…had compassion, and ran and fell on4. his father…had compassion, and ran and fell on
his neck and kissed him. Luke 15:20his neck and kissed him. Luke 15:20
'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in
your sight, and am no longer worthy to beyour sight, and am no longer worthy to be
called your son.‘ luke 15:21called your son.‘ luke 15:21
• HumbleHumble
yourselfyourself
before thebefore the
LordLord
Humble yourself before HimHumble yourself before Him

RepentanceRepentance
• Sit with yourselfSit with yourself
• Don’t try to findDon’t try to find
excuses for yourselfexcuses for yourself
• Don’t postponeDon’t postpone
repentancerepentance
• Humble yourselfHumble yourself
before the Lordbefore the Lord

Post repentancePost repentance

ringring
• It has a seal to markIt has a seal to mark
documents.documents.
• ResemblesResembles authorityauthority..
• ““See, I have set you overSee, I have set you over
all the land of Egypt.”all the land of Egypt.”
Then Pharaoh took hisThen Pharaoh took his
signet ring off his handsignet ring off his hand
and put it on Joseph'sand put it on Joseph's
hand”hand”
Genesis 41: 41, 42Genesis 41: 41, 42

RobeRobe
• “…“…He has covered meHe has covered me
with the robe ofwith the robe of
righteousness…”righteousness…”
Isaiah 61:10Isaiah 61:10
• Righteousness =Righteousness =
To do what is rightTo do what is right
• ““Therefore bear fruitsTherefore bear fruits
worthy of repentance.”worthy of repentance.”
Matthew 3:8Matthew 3:8

SandalsSandals
• “…“…Having shod your feetHaving shod your feet
with the preparation ofwith the preparation of
the gospel of peace.”the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15Ephesians 6:15
• Sandals = WalkingSandals = Walking
according to the gospelaccording to the gospel

"And he arose and came to his father…”
Luke 15:20
In the church keep your
target our Lord Jesus
alone.
Focus on Him onlyFocus on Him only

Post RepentancePost Repentance
Ring = AuthorityRing = Authority
Robe = RighteousnessRobe = Righteousness
Sandals = WalkingSandals = Walking
according to the gospelaccording to the gospel
His Father = In the churchHis Father = In the church
keep your target our Lordkeep your target our Lord
Jesus aloneJesus alone
Remember who you areRemember who you are

The People around JesusThe People around Jesus
There were two groups of people who had comeThere were two groups of people who had come
to listen to the Lord Jesus:to listen to the Lord Jesus:
• TheThe ‘tax collectors and sinners’‘tax collectors and sinners’ – These men– These men
and women correspond to the younger brotherand women correspond to the younger brother
in the parable. They observed neither moral orin the parable. They observed neither moral or
religious laws. They left the home of theirreligious laws. They left the home of their
tradition.tradition.
• TheThe ‘Pharisees and the teachers of the law’‘Pharisees and the teachers of the law’
who correspond to the older brother. Theywho correspond to the older brother. They
studied and obeyed the Scripture. Theystudied and obeyed the Scripture. They
worshipped faithfully and prayed constantly.worshipped faithfully and prayed constantly.
They never left the home of their traditions.They never left the home of their traditions.

To whom is the parable directed?To whom is the parable directed?
• It is to the second group, the scribes andIt is to the second group, the scribes and
Pharisees. It is in response to their attitude thatPharisees. It is in response to their attitude that
Jesus begins to tell the parable.Jesus begins to tell the parable.
• The parable climaxes with a powerful plea fromThe parable climaxes with a powerful plea from
the Father to the elder son for him to changethe Father to the elder son for him to change
his heart.his heart.
• He is not on the side of the irreligious or theHe is not on the side of the irreligious or the
religious.religious.
• But the Lord singles out the religious moralismBut the Lord singles out the religious moralism
as a particular deadly spiritual condition.as a particular deadly spiritual condition.

To whom is the parable directed?To whom is the parable directed?
• In every case where the Lord meets a religiousIn every case where the Lord meets a religious
person and a sexual outcast (Luke 7) or aperson and a sexual outcast (Luke 7) or a
religious person and a racial outcast (John 3-4)religious person and a racial outcast (John 3-4)
or a religious person and a political outcastor a religious person and a political outcast
(Luke 19), the outcast is the one who connects(Luke 19), the outcast is the one who connects
with the Lord.with the Lord.
• The elder brother type does not connect.The elder brother type does not connect.
• Jesus says to the respectable religious leadersJesus says to the respectable religious leaders
that the ‘tax collectors and prostitutes enter thethat the ‘tax collectors and prostitutes enter the
kingdom before you” (Matth 21:31)kingdom before you” (Matth 21:31)

The Lost Younger BrotherThe Lost Younger Brother
Q. Why is it easier for the young son to acceptQ. Why is it easier for the young son to accept
the Father’s love?the Father’s love?

The Lost Younger BrotherThe Lost Younger Brother
• The division of the estate only occurred whenThe division of the estate only occurred when
the father died. To ask while the Father werethe father died. To ask while the Father were
alive is toalive is to wish him deadwish him dead..
• He wants his fathers things but not his Father.He wants his fathers things but not his Father.
• A traditional middle eastern father would beA traditional middle eastern father would be
expected to respond to such a request byexpected to respond to such a request by
driving the son out of the family with nothingdriving the son out of the family with nothing
except physical blows.except physical blows.
• The younger brother asks the Father to tear hisThe younger brother asks the Father to tear his
life apart.life apart.

The Younger Brothers PlanThe Younger Brothers Plan
• The son intended to make restitution and sayThe son intended to make restitution and say
‘Father, I know I don’t have the right to come‘Father, I know I don’t have the right to come
back but if you take me on as a hired man I willback but if you take me on as a hired man I will
repay my debt.’repay my debt.’
• The FatherThe Father runsruns to him – middle easternto him – middle eastern
patriarchs do not pick up their robes, showingpatriarchs do not pick up their robes, showing
their legs and run. But his father does.their legs and run. But his father does.

The Fathers PlanThe Fathers Plan
• The best robe in the house is the Father’s ownThe best robe in the house is the Father’s own
robe, the sign that he is restored in the familyrobe, the sign that he is restored in the family
standingstanding
• The Father is saying, “I’m not going to wait untilThe Father is saying, “I’m not going to wait until
you’ve paid off your debt. You are not going toyou’ve paid off your debt. You are not going to
earn your way back – I will simply take youearn your way back – I will simply take you
back and cover your nakedness and restoreback and cover your nakedness and restore
your riches, returning your honouryour riches, returning your honour
• There is no evil that the Father’s love cannotThere is no evil that the Father’s love cannot
pardon and cover – not only is there food topardon and cover – not only is there food to
spare but Grace to sparespare but Grace to spare

The Lost Elder BrotherThe Lost Elder Brother
Q. What makes it hard for the older son toQ. What makes it hard for the older son to
accept?accept?

• He remains outside the door, publiclyHe remains outside the door, publicly
showing he disagrees with hisshowing he disagrees with his
Father’s actions.Father’s actions.
• By bringing the younger brother backBy bringing the younger brother back
into the family he has made him aninto the family he has made him an
heir of his own share of the father’sheir of his own share of the father’s
wealth.wealth.
• And I’ve earned what I’ve got!And I’ve earned what I’ve got!

• He addresses the Father with noHe addresses the Father with no
respect – “Look..” Such behaviour isrespect – “Look..” Such behaviour is
outrageous.outrageous.
• The Father instead of disowning himThe Father instead of disowning him
tries to convince him.tries to convince him.
• The Lord is speaking to the PhariseesThe Lord is speaking to the Pharisees
and trying to plead with those whoand trying to plead with those who
would crucify Him to follow Him.would crucify Him to follow Him.

The Lord’s view of SinThe Lord’s view of Sin
• The message of the Lord is that bothThe message of the Lord is that both
sons are wrong. This parable showssons are wrong. This parable shows
thethe radical alternative…radical alternative…
• The lover of prostitutes is savedThe lover of prostitutes is saved
because he accepts the Father’s love,because he accepts the Father’s love,
but the man of good morals is still lostbut the man of good morals is still lost
because he feels he has earned it.because he feels he has earned it.

The Lord’s view of SinThe Lord’s view of Sin
• His own pride in his own moral recordHis own pride in his own moral record
of keeping the law is keeping himof keeping the law is keeping him
away from his Father.away from his Father.
• The elder brother thinks ‘I have neverThe elder brother thinks ‘I have never
disobeyed you! Now you have to dodisobeyed you! Now you have to do
things in my life my way.’things in my life my way.’
• Neither son loved the Father forNeither son loved the Father for
HimselfHimself

Sin RedefinedSin Redefined
• If we, like the elder brother, believe thatIf we, like the elder brother, believe that
God ought to bless us and help usGod ought to bless us and help us
because we have worked so hard to obeybecause we have worked so hard to obey
Him and to be a good person, then JesusHim and to be a good person, then Jesus
may be:may be:
– Your helperYour helper
– Your exampleYour example
– Even your inspirationEven your inspiration
– But He will not be allowed to be your SaviourBut He will not be allowed to be your Saviour
– You are serving as your own saviour!You are serving as your own saviour!

It is Important to ObeyIt is Important to Obey
• 21 Whoever has my commands and21 Whoever has my commands and
obeys them, he is the one who lovesobeys them, he is the one who loves
me. He who loves me will be loved byme. He who loves me will be loved by
my Father, and I too will love him andmy Father, and I too will love him and
show myself to him."show myself to him." John 14:21John 14:21
• It is important to obey with the rightIt is important to obey with the right
Spirit.Spirit.

God’s Grace to usGod’s Grace to us
• During a British conference on comparativeDuring a British conference on comparative
religions, experts from around the worldreligions, experts from around the world
debated what, if any, belief was unique to thedebated what, if any, belief was unique to the
Christian faith.Christian faith.
• C.S. Lewis walks in and asks ‘what’s theC.S. Lewis walks in and asks ‘what’s the
rumpus about?’ they explain and he says – ‘ohrumpus about?’ they explain and he says – ‘oh
that’s easy. It’s Grace.’that’s easy. It’s Grace.’
• Think about it, what other religion has thatThink about it, what other religion has that
concept or could even accept that?concept or could even accept that?

God’s Grace to usGod’s Grace to us
• Story of prodigal girlStory of prodigal girl
• In Church Theology - God theIn Church Theology - God the
Father is looked at asFather is looked at as ‘The One‘The One
who Loves.’who Loves.’
• Analogy from the film the lastAnalogy from the film the last
emperor.emperor.

In Phillip Yancey’s book “What’s so Amazing aboutIn Phillip Yancey’s book “What’s so Amazing about
Grace,” Yancy retells the story of the Prodigal SonGrace,” Yancy retells the story of the Prodigal Son
from a modern day view point. It is a powerfulfrom a modern day view point. It is a powerful
story and it’s definitely worth sharing. Here’s thestory and it’s definitely worth sharing. Here’s the
story …story …
THE RUNAWAYTHE RUNAWAY
A young girl grows up on a cherry orchard justA young girl grows up on a cherry orchard just
above Traverse City, Michigan. Her parents, a bitabove Traverse City, Michigan. Her parents, a bit
old-fashioned, tend to overreact to her nose ring,old-fashioned, tend to overreact to her nose ring,
the music she listens to, and the length of herthe music she listens to, and the length of her
skirts. They ground her a few times, and sheskirts. They ground her a few times, and she
Modern Day Prodigal GirlModern Day Prodigal Girl

““I hate you!” she screams at her father when heI hate you!” she screams at her father when he
knocks on the door of her room after an argument,knocks on the door of her room after an argument,
and that night she acts on a plan she has mentallyand that night she acts on a plan she has mentally
rehearsed scores of times. She runs away.rehearsed scores of times. She runs away.
She has visited Detroit only once before, on a busShe has visited Detroit only once before, on a bus
trip with her church youth group to watch thetrip with her church youth group to watch the
Tigers play. Because newspapers in Traverse CityTigers play. Because newspapers in Traverse City
report in lurid detail the gangs, drugs, and violencereport in lurid detail the gangs, drugs, and violence
in downtown Detroit, she concludes that isin downtown Detroit, she concludes that is
probably the last place her parents will look forprobably the last place her parents will look for
her. California, maybe, or Florida, but not Detroither. California, maybe, or Florida, but not Detroit.

Her second day there she meets a man who drivesHer second day there she meets a man who drives
the biggest car she’s ever seen. He offers her athe biggest car she’s ever seen. He offers her a
ride, buys her lunch, arranges a place for her toride, buys her lunch, arranges a place for her to
stay. He gives her some pills that make her feelstay. He gives her some pills that make her feel
better than she’s ever felt before. She was right allbetter than she’s ever felt before. She was right all
along, she decides: Her parents were keeping heralong, she decides: Her parents were keeping her
from all the fun.from all the fun.
The good life continues for a month, two months, aThe good life continues for a month, two months, a
year. The man with the big car—she calls himyear. The man with the big car—she calls him
“Boss”–teaches her a few things that men like.“Boss”–teaches her a few things that men like.
Since she’s underage, men pay a premium for herSince she’s underage, men pay a premium for her.

She lives in a penthouse and orders room serviceShe lives in a penthouse and orders room service
whenever she wants. Occasionally she thinkswhenever she wants. Occasionally she thinks
about the folks back home, but their lives nowabout the folks back home, but their lives now
seem so boring that she can hardly believe sheseem so boring that she can hardly believe she
grew up there. She has a brief scare when shegrew up there. She has a brief scare when she
sees her picture printed on the back of a milksees her picture printed on the back of a milk
carton with the headline, “Have you seen thiscarton with the headline, “Have you seen this
child?” But by now she has blond hair, and with allchild?” But by now she has blond hair, and with all
the makeup and body-piercing jewelry she wears,the makeup and body-piercing jewelry she wears,
nobody would mistake her for a child. Besides,nobody would mistake her for a child. Besides,
most of her friends are runaways, and nobodymost of her friends are runaways, and nobody
squeals in Detroit.squeals in Detroit.

After a year, the first sallow signs of illness appear,After a year, the first sallow signs of illness appear,
and it amazes her how fast the boss turns mean.and it amazes her how fast the boss turns mean.
“These days, we can’t mess around,” he growls,“These days, we can’t mess around,” he growls,
and before she knows it she’s out on the streetand before she knows it she’s out on the street
without a penny to her name. She still turns awithout a penny to her name. She still turns a
couple of tricks a night, but they don’t pay much,couple of tricks a night, but they don’t pay much,
and all the money goes to support her drug habit.and all the money goes to support her drug habit.
When winter blows in she finds herself sleeping onWhen winter blows in she finds herself sleeping on
metal grates outside the big department stores.metal grates outside the big department stores.
“Sleeping” is the wrong word—a teenage girl at“Sleeping” is the wrong word—a teenage girl at
night in downtown Detroit can never relax hernight in downtown Detroit can never relax her
guard.guard.

Dark bands circle her eyes. Her cough worsens.Dark bands circle her eyes. Her cough worsens.
One night, as she lies awake listening forOne night, as she lies awake listening for
footsteps, all of a sudden everything about her lifefootsteps, all of a sudden everything about her life
looks different. She no longer feels like a womanlooks different. She no longer feels like a woman
of the world. She feels like a little girl, lost in a coldof the world. She feels like a little girl, lost in a cold
and frightening city. She begins to whimper. Herand frightening city. She begins to whimper. Her
pockets are empty and she’s hungry. She needs apockets are empty and she’s hungry. She needs a
fix. She pulls her legs tight underneath her andfix. She pulls her legs tight underneath her and
shivers under the newspapers she’s piled atop hershivers under the newspapers she’s piled atop her
coat. Something jolts a synapse of memory and acoat. Something jolts a synapse of memory and a
single image fills her mind:single image fills her mind:

of May in Traverse City, when a million cherry treesof May in Traverse City, when a million cherry trees
bloom at once, with her golden retriever dashingbloom at once, with her golden retriever dashing
through the rows and rows of blossomy trees inthrough the rows and rows of blossomy trees in
chase of a tennis ball.chase of a tennis ball.
God, why did I leave?God, why did I leave? she says to herself, and painshe says to herself, and pain
stabs at her heart.stabs at her heart. My dog back home eats betterMy dog back home eats better
than I do now.than I do now. She’s sobbing, and she knows in aShe’s sobbing, and she knows in a
flash that more than anything else in the world sheflash that more than anything else in the world she
wants to go home.wants to go home.
Three straight phone calls, three straightThree straight phone calls, three straight
connections with the answering machine.connections with the answering machine.

She hangs up without leaving a message the firstShe hangs up without leaving a message the first
two times, but the third time she says, “Dad, Mom,two times, but the third time she says, “Dad, Mom,
it’s me. I was wondering about maybe comingit’s me. I was wondering about maybe coming
home. I’m catching a bus up your way, and it’ll gethome. I’m catching a bus up your way, and it’ll get
there about midnight tomorrow. If you’re not there,there about midnight tomorrow. If you’re not there,
well, I guess I’ll just stay on the bus until it hitswell, I guess I’ll just stay on the bus until it hits
Canada.”Canada.”
It takes about seven hours for a bus to make allIt takes about seven hours for a bus to make all
the stops between Detroit and Traverse City, andthe stops between Detroit and Traverse City, and
during that time she realizes the flaws in her plan.during that time she realizes the flaws in her plan.
What if her parents are out of town and miss theWhat if her parents are out of town and miss the
message?message?

Shouldn’t she have waited another day or so untilShouldn’t she have waited another day or so until
she could talk to them? Even if they are home,she could talk to them? Even if they are home,
they probably wrote her off as dead long ago. Shethey probably wrote her off as dead long ago. She
should have given them some time to overcomeshould have given them some time to overcome
the shock.the shock.
Her thoughts bounce back and forth betweenHer thoughts bounce back and forth between
those worries and the speech she is preparing forthose worries and the speech she is preparing for
her father. “Dad, I’m sorry. I know I was wrong. It’sher father. “Dad, I’m sorry. I know I was wrong. It’s
not your fault, it’s all mine. Dad, can you forgivenot your fault, it’s all mine. Dad, can you forgive
me?” She says the words over and over, her throatme?” She says the words over and over, her throat
tightening even as she rehearses them. She hasn’ttightening even as she rehearses them. She hasn’t
apologized to anyone in yearsapologized to anyone in years

The bus has been driving with lights on since BayThe bus has been driving with lights on since Bay
City. Tiny snowflakes hit the road, and the asphaltCity. Tiny snowflakes hit the road, and the asphalt
steams. She’s forgotten how dark it gets at nightsteams. She’s forgotten how dark it gets at night
out here. A deer darts across the road and the busout here. A deer darts across the road and the bus
swerves. Every so often, a billboard. A sign postingswerves. Every so often, a billboard. A sign posting
the mileage to Traverse City.the mileage to Traverse City. Oh, God.Oh, God.
When the bus finally rolls into the station, its airWhen the bus finally rolls into the station, its air
brakes hissing in protest, the driver announces inbrakes hissing in protest, the driver announces in
a crackly voice over the microphone, “Fifteena crackly voice over the microphone, “Fifteen
minutes, folks. That’s all we have here.” Fifteenminutes, folks. That’s all we have here.” Fifteen
minutes to decide her life.minutes to decide her life.

She checks herself in a compact mirror, smoothsShe checks herself in a compact mirror, smooths
her hair, and licks the lipstick off her teeth. Sheher hair, and licks the lipstick off her teeth. She
looks at the tobacco stains on her fingertips andlooks at the tobacco stains on her fingertips and
wonders if her parents will notice. If they’re there.wonders if her parents will notice. If they’re there.
She walks into the terminal not knowing what toShe walks into the terminal not knowing what to
expect, and not one of the thousand scenes thatexpect, and not one of the thousand scenes that
have played out in her mind prepare her for whathave played out in her mind prepare her for what
she sees. There, in the concrete-walls-and-plastic-she sees. There, in the concrete-walls-and-plastic-
chairs bus terminal in Traverse City, Michigan,chairs bus terminal in Traverse City, Michigan,
stands a group of 40 family members—brothersstands a group of 40 family members—brothers
and sisters and great-aunts and uncles andand sisters and great-aunts and uncles and
cousins and a grandmother and great-cousins and a grandmother and great-
grandmother to boot.grandmother to boot.

They are all wearing ridiculous-looking party hatsThey are all wearing ridiculous-looking party hats
and blowing noisemakers, and taped across theand blowing noisemakers, and taped across the
entire wall of the terminal is a computer-generatedentire wall of the terminal is a computer-generated
banner that reads “Welcome home!”banner that reads “Welcome home!”
Out of the crowd of well-wishers breaks her dad.Out of the crowd of well-wishers breaks her dad.
She looks through tears and begins theShe looks through tears and begins the
memorized speech,memorized speech, “Dad, I’m sorry. I know … ““Dad, I’m sorry. I know … “
He interrupts her.He interrupts her. “Hush, child. We’ve got no time“Hush, child. We’ve got no time
for that. No time for apologies. You’ll be late forfor that. No time for apologies. You’ll be late for
the party. A banquet’s waiting for you at home.”the party. A banquet’s waiting for you at home.”
And so it is with God’s amazing grace.And so it is with God’s amazing grace.

But what’s so amazing about it, anyway?But what’s so amazing about it, anyway?
Ask people what they must do to get to return toAsk people what they must do to get to return to
God and most reply, “Be good.” Jesus’ storiesGod and most reply, “Be good.” Jesus’ stories
contradict that answer.contradict that answer.
All we must do is cry, “Help!” God welcomes homeAll we must do is cry, “Help!” God welcomes home
anyone who will have him and, in fact, has madeanyone who will have him and, in fact, has made
the first move already.the first move already.
That’s what’s so amazing about grace.That’s what’s so amazing about grace.

Who are you?Who are you?
• If you were to ask St. John the Gospel writerIf you were to ask St. John the Gospel writer
who he is, what would he say?who he is, what would he say?
• ‘‘I am the one who Jesus loves.’I am the one who Jesus loves.’
• There is a story of a priest passing a peasantThere is a story of a priest passing a peasant
village who sees a peasant praying on the sidevillage who sees a peasant praying on the side
of the street and says to him ‘you must be closeof the street and says to him ‘you must be close
to God’.to God’.
• The peasant answers – ‘Yes He’s very fond ofThe peasant answers – ‘Yes He’s very fond of
me’me’
• If I truly believed that God Loved me and IIf I truly believed that God Loved me and I
really accepted it – how different would I be?really accepted it – how different would I be?

Retrun to God: Journey of the Prodigal

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