by John Hutchinson
When a child leaves home it’s not always a happy event. We know the feelings young people have for independence but rebellion can be very hard. “I’m out of here,” they say, “and you’ll never see me again.” And the stunned parents ask: “What did we do wrong?”
Teenagers, these days, listen more to peers than parents. TV programs, education and what kids see happening all around them has eroded their respect for their home.
Home should be the best place for a kid to be. However, parenting isn’t easy these days. Living costs have forced fathers and mothers to work – necessitating day care and minimising quality time at home. No home is immune from rebellion.

• Lessons
Jesus told about a boy who left home – a story rich in advice for parents and children (Luke 15:11-32).
The young fellow wanted to break free from family and home. Whatever his reason for leaving note this: The Father let him go. When the dramatic moment comes and the child leaves we may have to simply let them go.
As the father watched his son walk away what thoughts would have filled his mind? He’d recall the time when he nursed him
as a baby, memories of boyhood, adolescence and manhood and all the things that he did and said. We don’t own our kids they are entrusted to us, and a time
may come when we must let them go. How very vital it is that they leave a loving home that will always welcome them back.

• Hard lesson
He wasted his money on frivolous living ... young fellows sometimes have left our shearing schools with thousands of dollars and in no time are broke.
The lad wasted his time, talents and his life ... we need to see that our time, mind and faculties and all this world’s resources are a trust from God.
Living on the far side is not all it’s made out to be ... its fun is hollow and robs young people of life, health and self worth and discards them like an empty can of coke.

• Desperation
Where are his friends now? Away from friends and exploited by his employer it wasn’t long before he was feeding pigs?
The lad became so hungry he craved the food the pigs ate and no one would give him anything. Home was looking good.
For many, home is not an option. This then is the challenge for parents: When children crash, what are their memories of home?
When a kid returns what opportunities there are to forgive and restore and exhibit the noblest virtues of parenthood.

• Something deeper
We must consider the context of this priceless story. It was told because of what the religious leaders were saying about Jesus: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1
In the Bible we read these very important words: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
Jesus said, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, (genuine sorrow for sin) than over ninety nine respectable people who see no need of repentance.”
The message of the gospel is all about God’s love for the wayward and their restoration.
We now come to an interesting turn in the prodigal son’s thoughts. He said, “I will arise and go to my father and say, ‘Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son’.”
We can approach God in those exact words: “I have sinned and am not worthy of your love.” Any one who approaches God in that kind of contrition will be met with divine compassion and full restoration.
The picture of the son’s return is too good to miss. He heads for home, malnourished and shoeless; he returns nervously in the hope that his father may have some consideration for him. But as he approaches he sees a form running toward him. He stops with breath abated. It’s his Dad who throws his arms around him and kisses his wasted form.
The son pours out the words that he’d rehearsed with all the earnestness of his soul. “Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’.”
Sinner, come home, God is waiting for you. He wants to embrace you, kiss you, put a ring on your finger and clothe you in royal robes.
Hear him say, “Let us celebrate, for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost but now is found.”