If you get the chance, pick up a copy of Henri J.M. Nouwen’s book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming. In his prologue, he explains how Rembrandt’s beautiful painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, transformed his life. It is a beautiful example of how great art has the power to impact someone’s life for the better, to strengthen their relationship with Christ, or reveal something about God. The parable of the Prodigal Son can be found in Luke 15:11-32. Read the story then spend some time reflecting on it while observing Rembrandt’s painting. Can you see the tenderness the father has for the son? Do you see how the son is leaning into his father’s forgiveness?
The parable is about the incredible love of God who waits for us, his image-bearers (Gen. 1:27), to turn to Him, ready to embrace us and call us his son or daughter. God loved us so much that at the beginning of the first century, he sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (the second person of the Trinity), to be born of a virgin (both fully God and fully human) and live on this earth (Luke 1:35). Jesus, the only one without sin, came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) by suffering a brutal death on a cross for the sins of all humankind, even while we were still sinners. He proved what he said, that he is the Son of God (Luke 13:33; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22; Mark 8:31), by rising from the dead three days later. He was seen, post resurrection, by hundreds of eye-witnesses.
None of us deserve God’s love and we cannot earn it. Instead, God gives his love freely. If you’re searching and you want to know God, simply ask him. God is ready and waiting to minister to your heart. Ask God to forgive you of your sins and to come into your heart.