Have you ever seen Rembrandt’s “Return of the Prodigal Son?” God just made me aware of it, thanks to a new bible study we are doing in Sunday School. It’s absolutely magnificent and speaks to your soul. I have never been moved like this before by observing a painting. It has so much meaning that I think I will be regularly blogging about it for some time. But, right now, I just want you to sit still and take it in. It is based on one of the parables in the Bible. If you are not aware of this parable, you can read it here in Luke 15: 11-32.
But, here’s the painting. It’s awe inspiring.
This Painting is Mesmerizing
There is so much to say about this painting. But right now, I want to center on the father. Do you see how the son feels so safe in his father’s arms. This image convicted me. It made me wonder if I would be as loving if someone deeply hurt me. Sadly, I think my flesh would prevail and I’d turn my back. But, I yearn to be so loving.
Also, look at the son’s state. Do you see how his shoes are tattered. How his head is shaved like a slave. How comfortable he feels in his dad’s arms. Do you realize our Father is there the same way for us. We can feel so emotionally tattered and He’s there with open arms to comfort and love us and not ask any questions.
Isn’t this painting amazing?
God Bless.
A Prodigal Daughter
The concept 0f unconditional love is a difficult one to understand. I didn’t understand it when I was a child, but I do now that I am a parent. When our children do something that isn’t right, or they make horribly bad decisions, we still love them. They are ours forever and will be forever in our hearts. I struggled with this parable for years but I understand it now. God is our forgiving parent who, no matter what, loves us unconditionally. It’s a difficult concept, yet beautiful and awe-inspiring, as it is visually represented in this painting. Forgiveness is very difficult for all of us and we may not fully understand what unconditional love is, but isn’t it wonderful that someone feels this way about us?
Thanks for sharing the painting, Cindy.
I agree, this is an amazing painting. The Executive Secretary at my office has this hanging in her office and when speaking to us she often relates things to this painting. I love it!