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CHILDREN
LEAVE THE FOLD
First, what about the "good son" who was upset
when his father lavishly welcomed the lost son home? Could this parable be set in place to
speak to what Jesus knew would become of the organized church? Jesus had to know that
followers would eventually become so numerous that human nature would take over. In what way?
In this way: only our group (church, denomination, etc.) is "doing" Christianity in a way
that pleases God and therefore assures our place in Heaven. But, did He not die once for
all?
The road to (1) where demons dwell & (2) "lostness"
both start begin being traveled at a really young with such as, "I want to do it MY self!" It goes on into the pre-teen
and teen years as so many feel compelled to (as my grandfather Shaw called it) "climb fools
hill"...rebellion against the "family ways"...the more traditional ways...maybe even running away from home literally or
much more subtly in quasi-symbolic ways.
Have you ever noticed pets or farm animals that
strain at the cage limits, wishing oh so strongly to "get out"? If they did, they would take on great
risks from the cats, foxes, hawks, snakes, and other carnivorous life...not to mention cars
& trucks on the highway. These caged ones have no idea of the dangers. Teens do have an idea
of the dangers, but the human ability to deny that dangers apply to "me"...so-called psychological
denial...is astonishingly powerful.
The Word gives many
insights into handling children...even those who become "wayward", lost, or "prodigal". Though
referred to as the parable of the prodigal (recklessly wasteful, extravagant) son, the
following points apply equally well to wayward daughters.
Luke
15:11-32 (HERE for various translations on one page & HERE for how believer and non-believer might "see" this and other parables) is the story of the father with 2 sons. The (1) older was super responsible;
the (2) younger asked for his inheritance prior to the father's death...squandered it in loose
living in foreign parts...sunk so low that he was actually feeding himself at the slop trough
with the hogs. Ultimately, he returned to his home and family who celebrated his
return...except for the older brother who was self-righteous and resentful. The father had
grounds to make a big deal against both sons. Instead, he was tolerant (but not condoning) as
exhibited by the obvious foundation of his love, allowing his love for his sons to prevail
(that is, he was silent as to recrimination & judgment). Could this be a clue to all going to Heaven? The Bible gives
insights as to how a wayward child goes about the return properly and how the family should
act. As you read this parable, see if you can pick up on the following
points.
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parent/child
ACTIONS
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Is action a Biblical REQUIREMENT to be fulfilled?
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COMMENT
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| parents: in a "tough love" way, pull out all of the stops, wrestling
and struggling to keep the child from going "wayward"...take parenting
responsibilities VERY seriously and with great love. |
yes: Ephesians 6:4
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after reasonable efforts to appeal, stand back and and let rebellion
happen; if too protective, the child may rebel & leave behind a wall of pride
that resists ever being able to reconcile
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| parents: "...do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up
in the training and instruction of the Lord." Jesus instructs in love, filled
with love. |
yes: Ephesians 6:4
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exasperation promotes rebellion
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| parents: ALLOW the unpreventable "leaving"; but finally do so
without condemnation...doing it in love and in ultimate hope of
reconciliation. |
implied but not required Luke
15:12
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the sooner the hell-bent, determined fall, the sooner the chance
for restoration
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| parents: turn it over to God in prayer and recurringly remember the
child in prayer |
yes: Proverbs 3:5-6
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call on the divine power of God to cause the rebellion to be brief &
without tragedy.
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child: maturely, sincerely recognize the error of your
ways
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yes: Exodus 20:12
(the 5th commandment)
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essential to healing; honor parents with
contriteness
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| child: must want the relationship restored |
implied:.......
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essential to psychological health and
reunion
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parent: must want the relationship restored
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implied:.......
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essential to psychological health and
reunion
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| child: must give reasons why they "left" |
no value
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no value
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child: makes excuses for immature judgment
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no value
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no value
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| child: attempts to convince parents of blame/fault of others |
no value
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no value
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| child: pays a price of punishment or atonement to the
parents |
no value
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no value
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| child: suffers the consequences of poor choices |
no comment; a natural sequence.
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invaluable and parents must allow this but may, with prayer and
wisdom, soften some of the
worst
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| child: must reject the ways they went to |
implied:
Luke 15:11-32
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essential; there must be complete turning
away
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| child: must accept/embrace the ways they return
to |
implied:
Luke 15:11-32
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otherwise, the child fools and uses the parent and thereby becomes
stunted, dependent, and wayward of what their God-given potential had them set up to be.
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| child: clean yourself up! |
implied:
Luke 15:11-32
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essential to self & mutual respect and growth
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parent: clean yourself up! Is there any
uncleanness on your part which may have contributed to the
"leaving"?
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general Biblical imperative of a living
parental example of clean and righteous living
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an essential, continuing part of
the growing Christian life!
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check out the Highest
TRUTH
(September 1998 [last modified 13 June
2005)
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