In his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen discusses the influnnce of Rembarandt’s painting entitled the same, The Return of the Prodigal Son. Of the painting and biblical parable he states:

“In Rembrandt’s painting, the elder son simply observes. It is difficult to imagine what is going on in his heart. Just as with the parable, so also with the painting, I am left with the question: How will he (the older son) respond to the invitaion to join the celebration (that the younger son has turned to the father)”.

“There is no doubt – in the parable or the painting – about the father’s heart. His heart goes out to both of his sons; he loves them both; he hopes to see them together as brothers aroung the same table; he wants them to experience that, different as they are, they belong to the same household and are children of the same father.” [1] 

So, how do our pastors and ministry leaders that proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God through Christ in our community’s church buildings respond to the invitation to join the celebration of prayer for one another so that we be that which God through His Word prepares us to be.   

 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:21 

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Eph 4:4-6.

 

In His Grace,

Pastor Chris Skeens

The Church of Jesus Christ at Jackson County, WV 

 

[1] Nouwen, Henri J. M. 1992. The Return of the Prodigal Son, New York, NY: Doubleday Publisher. (p. 105).