Charles Dickens said that parable of the prodigal son in the Bible [ Luke 15:11 ] is the finest short story every written. A parable has been well described as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, and Jesus told this one to a mixed crowd of prostitutes, thieving tax collectors and proud religious Pharisees.

The story begins with a father who had two sons. One day the younger son spoke rudely to his father and said, “Give me the money now that I’ll get when you die.” He was probably saying to himself, “I’m fed up with this stupid farm, anywhere will be better than this.” Knowing his son wouldn’t listen to reason, the father gave him half of his inheritance and a few days later the son packed all his belongings and travelled to a far country. In this country he lived up to his name prodigal meaning wasteful, and spent all his money on wine, women and song. But one day his money ran out and so did his false friends.

He got a job on a farm feeding pigs and would have been glad to eat their husks! Eventually he came to his senses, humbled himself and prepared this little speech to say to his father. “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight and am no more worthy to be called your son, make me like one of your hired servants.”

As he got near home his loving father ran out to kiss and forgive his wayward son even before he could finish his speech! Sadly his elder brother who was like the proud religious people could only sulk. Perhaps you’ve been running away from God. Don’t forget He’s longing to forgive and become your heavenly father if you humbly admit you’ve been foolish and wrong.