I see both the older and younger son within me and within others (there you are – the evidence of older son coming out in me!). I have been struck by the though, however, that I am to aspire to be like the father. I have been challenged that my calling, and the calling of all Christians, is to be like the father.
Jesus said we are to be like him. We know that. We also know that Jesus said that he and the father are one. Sometimes it is easy to forget that. Jesus asks us to be like him, to copy him, to be like God.
That’s a fairly tall order! Has anyone ever written a greater under-statement than that?!
The calling to be like the father is one of great risk and great pain. It is a calling to love until we drop. The exhaustion and relief of the father hit me by far the most in this painting. To love like the father, to keep quiet, to hope, to watch, to dream, will all take great energy and heartache.
Of course, the calling is an impossible one. I think now I understand a little more why Jesus says I to allow him to live through me rather than strive to do things myself. With God nothing is impossible – not even being like him.
My next post will be the painting itself – I post it as I would be interested in your ‘last comments’ on the prodigal and painting.
The Shiny Headed Prophet 
Rob,I’ve really enjoyed reading your thoughts on both the painting and the story.I too had never considered the role of the father until reading you post yesterday, and your struggle with the idea of being like God, and the natire of God really touched me.Perhaps it is the fact that I’ve just become a father that makes this all the more meaningful, or perhaps I finally feel that i have grown up from being the Prodigal and need something new to relate to?As is oft the way, I leave from reading your posts with more questions than answers, but in a positive way questions of myself and my relationship with God.Thank you.
BarrieThankyou for taking the time to comment.