Why wait for it?
“When someone is impatient and says, 'I haven't got all day,' I always wonder,
How can that be? How can you not have all day? George Carlin
Maybe impatience is the hallmark of immaturity. It’s like the droning cry from children in the backseat – “Are we there yet?” We know that impatience is not reserved just for children. We adults can be pretty impatient too. Check your pulse next time you have to wait in the checkout line designated for 10 items or less and the customer ahead of you has 12, or 15. Possibly patience is a lost art. I’ve read that impatience is the essence of foolishness; that patience is the heart of wisdom.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. ‘For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20, 24
If we were to unpack the entire story of the Prodigal Son, we would find a story of a young man telling his father to give him his inheritance, now. Not when dad retires. Not when he’s sick. Not when he’s near death — the son wants it today. And the craziest thing happens – his father does it. He gives his son his share. Why did the father give his son what he demanded instead of making him wait?
Especially striking in this story is the father’s tolerance before the younger son’s decision to leave home. The father could have opposed it, knowing that he was still immature, a youth. Or, dad could have sought legal advise, a lawyer, and found a way not to give him his inheritance, as the father was still alive. Instead, he allows the son to leave, knowing full-well the possible risks.
God works with us like this: He allows us to be free, even to the point of making mistakes. Surprisingly, our Creator has given us the great gifts of freedom and choice. Then patiently, He waits for us to put them to good use.
God works with us like this: He allows us to be free, even to the point of making mistakes. Surprisingly, our Creator has given us the great gifts of freedom and choice. Then patiently, He waits for us to put them to good use.
Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance.
