April 04, 2017

The Hope and Experience of Easter by Susan Barclay

This month we’re asked to answer the question “What do Lent and the death and resurrection of Christ mean to you?”

I come from a tradition that doesn’t observe Lent, though I have personally observed it a few times. More important to me is the remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection, which give me hope for a future spent with Him.

When you have a prodigal child, as I do, it gives new perspective on your relationship with God. This season is certainly drawing me closer to Him, recognizing my dependence on Him and on His goodness. I have pressed more closely into prayer, into Scripture reading, into praise. That last – praise – may surprise you since my circumstances (the spiritual condition of one who is precious to me) are not favourable. But we are told to give thanks in all things and I thank God for who He is.

What is the character of God? He is love, mercy, forgiveness, grace. He is holy. He judges all things righteously and perfectly. He made the earth and everything in it. Everything that breathes He loves and cares for – especially people, who are made in His image. He loves my child more deeply and well than I ever could. He is a keeper of promises. He is provider, healer, and more, so I can trust Him as He works in the life of my child, that He pursues lost sheep, redeems and restores.

The story of the prodigal, an exaggeration as parables are, provides a marvelous example of roles we all play, or may play. As one-time prodigals ourselves we can identify with the son who has wandered away and turned his back on the right path. As parents we can identify with the father who lovingly gives the child what he wants and lets life be the difficult teacher. The father prays, waits and watches. I love this song by Rich Mullins on the theme:

Growing Young

As I reflect on Easter and the work Christ did on the cross, I’m reminded that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. That means I too have missed the mark. I was just as guilty as anyone and in need of a Saviour. Thank God, for providing the Way back to Him!


I am posting this later in the day than I planned on. Suddenly it was April 4th and I didn’t have my piece completed. Perhaps that’s just as well, for it allows me to end with this familiar song sung by Celtic Woman, a rendition I only heard tonight. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. How very sweet indeed.

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Please visit Susan at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.ca

10 comments:

  1. As the mother of a prodigal myself, I get it. I also cling to the fact that God loves my child more than I do... and I keep remembering His promises. (Loved the song too!)

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    1. Thanks for identifying with me, Tracy. I think there are more Christian parents of prodigals than we realize and going through something like this ourselves helps us to empathize rather than analyze (what went wrong in someone else's home). People can parent with excellence and still have a prodigal since even our children have a free will they can exercise.

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  2. Hi Susan! Thank you for such an honest post. I relate to the pain of loving a prodigal son. He came back to my wife and I after a number of years. I recognize too that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. The God who looks beyond our fault and sees our need.

    Your words have touched a tender spot in me for those who pray and wait for their prodigals. This post is one I will cerainly remember. As you pray for your son I will be praying for you my friend!

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    1. Thank you, Alan; I am honoured to have your prayers lifted to heaven for me as I pray for and love my son. I am delighted to hear that your own son returned after several years away. I'm hearing many such stories and they certainly add to the sure hope I have in our Lord and what He is able to do. When our son is restored we will know it is the work of God and not human accomplishment. But prayer is crucial, and I thank you again for yours!

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  3. Thanks for sharing from the heart. Your words touched me deeply. You are not alone. I too share the same prayers. I will keep you in my prayer.

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    1. Thanks, Vickie, for sharing your same burden. Will add you and Tracy to my prayer list as well!

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  4. Do you have room for more prayers, my friends? Please add me to the list as well, and I am adding your names to mine. We have a lot in common. I also pray for wisdom, unconditional love, patience, respect. . . May God help each of us to lovingly let go and let God help with the daily issues. Bless you, Susan for starting this conversation.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sharon. I'm reading this much later than you wrote it, but thank you for your prayers - I always have room for more!- and I will add you to my list as well! Blessings, sister.

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  5. God is forbearing and forgiving. He is a keeper of promises and His love endures forever. He patiently and tirelessly pursues those who flee from Him. (See: 2 Peter 3:9) I am confident that one day your prayers will be answered, Susan. As you continue to pray, praise, and read the Scriptures, I will also be praying for you and your prodigal child.

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    1. Thank you so much, Nina. I appreciate your prayers and affirmation. And for the additional reminders of who God is.

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