The Prodical Son

Most Christians know the story of the prodical son, but may never have understood it's underlying message regarding Israel's destiny. As with all of Yeshua's parables, it was two-fold. There was the simple, yet inspiring story of a father's unconditional love, but within it lay a hidden meaning below the surface.

The key players in the story are the father (God), the oldest son (Judah) and the youngest son (Israel). The Bible speaks at length concerning how the children of Israel became two separate nations. Ten of the tribes rejected Solomon's son as their king and formed their own nation north of Jerusalem, with Samaria as their capital. Judah, or the Jews, along with the Levites and at least a portion of Benjamin, remained "at home", with Jerusalem as their capital. This is Mt. Zion, the city of God, the holy city from which the law of God shall spring forth in the last day.

When Israel rejected Jerusalem and set up their own government and their own king, they also rejected the commandments of their God. Over time, they followed after the gods of the pagans dwelling in their midst. They turned from the Sabbath and were guilty of idolatry. They ignored the holy seasons, the annual festivals of their God, in which all males were to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem according to the commandment.

Over time they lost all knowledge of the true worship of God. Despite repeated warnings from their prophets, they continued on in their apostasy until they were completely destroyed by an enemy, the Kingdom of Assyria. Most of those who were not killed were led away as captives to foreign lands, where they would set down roots and their offspring grow up as Gentiles, retaining no knowledge of their heritage. These were, indeed, prodical children. However, over time, teachers came to them with the story of Yeshua, the Messiah who died for their sins. Many began to repent and turn from the evil ways they had adopted. They were given access to the word of God and began to long for His righteousness. In every land they migrated, they brought this knowledge with them. As they traveled further and further northwest from their original homeland, some found their way to a new land, America. They built their government on the principles laid down in the word of God and adopted Christianity as their new religion. However their culture began to change. Their religion became segmented and divided, with numerous denominations and factions. Through the years, they have enjoyed many blessings and much prosperity in their new land, but their greed and increasing immoral behavior is moving them closer to losing it all. Like the prodical son in Yeshua's parable, they are about to hit rock bottom.

Judah only remained in their homeland yet, as time marched on, they too followed in the footsteps of Israel. Years after Israel had been removed from the land, Babylon came with a vengeance and destroyed their land, their homes and their beloved temple. For seventy years they served in Babylon until Persia overthrew Babylon and the new king, Cyrus, allowed the Jews to return home. Although many did not choose to return, having begun new lives in this foreign land, others returned and rebuilt their homes and, more importantly, their temple. Unfortunately, they closed themselves off from the world, separating themselves in order to remain "holy" before their God. Never again would they be removed from their land. The Pharisees enacted numerous laws (takanot) to keep the masses in line. They laid heavy burdens upon the people, oral laws and traditions, to control the people. They accepted none of other cultures unless they were willing to convert to Judaism. They were the older son in Yeshua's parable.

The prophecies tell of a time, yet in the future, when the prodical son, Israel, will lift up his eyes in a foreign land and look to Jerusalem. He will realize what has become of him and he will make his way home again. The older son, Judah, will not be happy that his brother is returning and will not readily accept him. He is a Gentile in his sight. He doesn't follow the "laws" of their religion nor obey the oral traditions of the elders, the Talmud. He is now a hated "Christian" who believes strange doctrines and practices different customs. He will be jealous of him and of the Father's joy in seeing His son return to the fold. However, both sons have a lot to learn. Neither has learned the lessons that they must. The Father will have to teach both how he wishes to be worshipped and how they can truly have abundant lives.

Many prophecies give a detailed account of these future events. The Father will yet join these two houses together once more and enter into a renewed covenant with them. He will place his laws in their hearts and minds. They will become one nation in his hand and serve him in his righteous kingdom.