My book is a retelling of the Jesus's Parable of the Lost or Prodigal Son from Luke 15. There are three points of view: my own, as I include stories from my own life; the Prodigal's, as I use other parables, people, and events in the Bible to retell his story; and GOD's, as I reveal His character and plans for our lives. It is a call for strayed Christians to return to the church by reminding them of God’s love and forgiveness.
The book includes vignettes from my life to parallel the retelling of the parable. I also provide a possible backstory to this beloved parable - why did the younger son of a wealthy family decide to leave home? What was his family life like? Additionally, the prodigal finds himself in some familiar Biblical scenes: the woman at the well and the good Samaritan. God also speaks directly to the reader, revealing His loving heart and desire to be reunited with His wandering children. Discussion questions for deeper connection to the material for individuals or small groups are included, as well as the plan of salvation and reader challenger to take God at His word and come home to Him.
My favorite part is the retelling of the Parable of the Lost Son. I think readers will enjoy a deeper look into this beloved Biblical character as they follow his adventures.
He passes through crowded streets, just another beggar in a sea of beggars. No one notices him. He is relieved not to run into the girl or her “manager,” not that either of them would recognize him in this condition. He passes through the city, and is leaving through the slums on the other side when he hears darting feet and whispered commands. Uh-oh, has he attracted the attention of the local street gang? He’s heard of them, but…
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye he sees an object coming at his head. He throws up a hand and tilts to his left. He takes the brunt of the blow on his arm, but he is off-balance and falls. Out of nowhere, a pack of filthy children leap on him, punching, biting, and kicking. He tries to cover his face and curl into a ball to avoid the worst of it, but the blows continue to rain down. The small bags of food and water are torn from his hand. He tries to snatch them back, only to have his hand stomped on and ground into the gravel. They beat him until he is barely conscious, then strip him of his once fine, but now filthy and torn robe, leaving him in his undergarment. They try to tear even that from his back as he cringes away.
“Stop that! Get away from him!”
His tormentors run away, laughing and jeering. His eyes are nearly swollen shut from the beatings, but he sees a blurry shadow leaning over him. Terrified, keening noises spill from his lips. He is not even aware that they are coming from him. He thinks someone must be slaughtering pigs nearby.
“Easy there,” says a rough, yet gentle, voice. “They really worked you over. Can you put your arm around my neck? Let’s get you out of here.”
The stranger is a gentle giant, who picks him up as if he is a small child and lays him in the back of his donkey cart. The cart’s floor is lined with empty sacks.
“You’re in luck—of sorts,” the stranger says. “I just sold the last of my wares and have room for you. There’s a small inn nearby. I always stay there when I make this trip.”
Although the donkey cart moves slowly, the jostling is more than Younger Son can bear with his new injuries. He is soon oblivious to everything but the pain. His head throbs, feeling like it will split open at any moment, and every breath is a torment to his aching ribs and back. He no longer cares what happens to him, he just wants the pain to end. He is barely conscious when the rolling finally stops.
The stranger gently gathers Younger Son in his arms, carrying him like a shepherd would cradle a small, frightened lamb. Younger Son, feeling safe in this stranger’s embrace, closes his eyes and rests his head against the man’s shoulder. He hears someone call out a friendly greeting, which quickly rises in alarm.
“Hello, there!” calls the innkeeper. “We weren’t expecting you back until spring. What is that you have there? My goodness! What happened? Is he all right?”
Younger Son’s mind drifts and his head lolls, as the stranger carries him inside, and negotiates with the innkeeper as they head down the narrow hall to the stranger’s usual room. The innkeeper bustles ahead, quickly pulling the covers down on the wooden framed bed. The stranger gently places Younger Son on the bed and pulls the covers over him as tenderly as one would tuck in a small child.
“What have we here?” asks a motherly voice, as gentle hands lift the covers.
Between the innkeeper and his wife, Younger Son is soon disrobed and given a sponge bath. Although they are very careful, he whimpers as they bathe his sore ribs and treat his blistered and bleeding feet. Once their ministrations are done, Younger Son relaxes into the soft bed, which smells of sheets dried in the sunshine and stored with sprigs of lavender.
“I’ll stay with him tonight,” says the stranger, leaning on the bed post as he studies Younger Son. “If he’s better and can stand the jolting, I’ll take him with me in the morning. Otherwise, I’ll leave him with you. I’ll bring more money with me next time I come through, if this is not enough to cover his expenses.”
The innkeeper’s wife bustles back into the room with a bowl of fragrant broth.
“You’ll do no such thing!” she exclaims. “You’re like one of the family. We’re happy to take care of this little lost lamb for you, however long it takes.”