I am still reading Henri J.M. Nouwen’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son” and I had share this insight of his as he gazed at Rembrandt’s “Return of the Prodigal Son” painting immediately below. It’s about the hands of the father. Please read on for here are Father Nouwen’s words.
The longer I looked at the “the patriarch,” the clearer it became to me that Rembrandt had done something quite different from letting God pose as the wise old head of the family. It all began with the hands. The two are quite different. The father’s left hand touching the son’s shoulders is strong and muscular. The fingers are spread out and cover a large part of the prodigal son’s shoulder and back. I can see a certain pressure, especially in the thumb. That hand seems not only to touch, but, with its strength, also to hold. Even though there is a gentleness in the way the father’s left hand touches his son, it is not without a firm grip.
How different is the father’s right hand! This hand does not hold or grasp. It is refined, soft, and very tender. The fingers are close to each other and they have an elegant quality. It lies gently upon the son’s shoulder. It wants to cares, to stroke, and to offer consolation and comfort. It is a mother’s hand.
Nouwen points out that our Father is there loving us as both a mother and a father. I found this amazing and when I get down and out, I immediately run into my Father’s hands to feel his firm left hand bringing me closer and his right hand rubbing my back and soothing my soul. When I am caught in his embrace…the only way I get out of it is me letting go. God never wants to let go. It’s us who determines the length of time we stay in our Father’s arms.
It absolutely amazing and safe. I hope you try it. If so, let me know what the experience was like for you.
Run into your Father’s arms. It’s there you are going to feel that you are home.
