Homecoming
In the Jewish tradition, repentance is called teshuvah , a Hebrew word translated as “returning.” One of the Hebrew words for sin is chet, which in Hebrew means “to go astray.”
In the so-called prodigal son story, there are interesting nuances about the process of repentance. While we should be careful about building theology on parables - and making them say what they were never intended to say - nevertheless as we reflect on what Jesus described in this beautiful and best known story that Jesus told, we can surely gain further insight.
The phrase, ‘And when he came to himself’, (Lk 15:17 - also used to describe Peter in Acts 12:11) is translated in the NIrV as ‘Then he began to think clearly again’. Temptation can nudge us to a place of confusion, or even where we suspend logical thinking about the consequences of what we are going to do, preferring to just chase after whatever gratification that is offered. Logic is abandoned: the person knows that there might be terrible consequences, but chooses to ignore them. But scripture calls us to fully engage in life with alertness and diligence:
Don’t be careless. Instead, be very careful. Don’t forget the things your eyes have seen. As long as you live, don’t let them slip from your mind. Teach them to your children and their children after them (Dt 4:9).
Above everything else, guard your heart. It is where your life comes from.
Don’t speak with twisted words. Keep evil talk away from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead. Keep looking right in front of you.
Make level paths for your feet to walk on. Only go on ways that are firm.
Don’t turn to the right or left. Keep your feet from the path of evil. (Prov 4:23–27).
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructed His sleepy disciples about the need to be alert:
Watch and pray. Then you won’t fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing. But the body is weak.” (Mt 26:41)
From the parable, we also see that repentance will always be imperfect, and with mixed motives. The prodigal; was troubled more by his lack of food than any pain that he had caused his father and family.
We also discover that true repentance always leads to action, and homecoming. Repentance is more than being sorry for our sins - we can be sorry, but then continue on in them.
Godly sadness causes us to turn away from our sins and be saved (2 Cor 7:10).
Or as the NIV puts it, ‘Godly sorrow brings repentance’. Sorrow is not repentance, but can be part of the journey towards true repentance.
Personally I have always been impacted by the beautiful song from Les Miserables, ‘Bring him home’. Although not the intention of the song - it is a prayer for safety - it captures something of the heart we feel when we pray for those we love who have marched or drifted away from the Lord.
Father, bring them home.
And as we know that we are prone to wander, keep us at home with You. Amen.