Undeserved Grace

There’s an old story that even made its way into a song. It is a story about a man who was headed home in the crowded coach of a train. The man noticed that the young man sitting next looked tired and a little anxious, and trying to be friendly, he struck up a conversation with the boy. In slow hesitant words, the story came out.

Seems the boy had wanted to join the army against his father’s wishes. Although underage, he ran away from home and tried to enlist in a city miles away. However, when he was turned down because of his age, the boy became heartsick. Too proud to return home in defeat, he wandered about in despair. His few dollars were soon gone. Hunger overcame his pride, and he wrote home for money. He received no answer. He sent another letter, but still no answer.

In desperation, the boy wrote to his father one last time. In his letter, he stated that on a given day he was going to be on a certain train which ran nearby the home place. He asked that if they would receive him at home, to please put a white rag on the crab apple tree in the back yard near the train track. If he saw the rag, he would know to get off at the station and come home. If no rag were there, he’d just stay on the train.

The boy grew restless as the train rumbled on toward his hometown. A lump caught in his throat, and his eyes filled with tears. “I can’t look,” he said. “I’m afraid.” The man put his arm about the boy’s shoulders. “It’s alright,” he said, “I’ll look and let you know.” The train whistled for the approaching station and slowed down. Suddenly the man slapped the boy on the knee and said, “There’s not one white rag on that tree… But look, son, look! There is a white rag on every limb!”

You may recognize the story. It is a story that Jesus told. We often refer to it as the story of Prodigal Son. But really it is more of a story about undeserved grace and the Father who welcomes us home.

Let us pray: Merciful God, we thank you that there is nothing in life or in death that can separate us from your love. We give you our hearts again this day. Amen.