I have entitled this booklet 'The Son' not because we are focusing on the prodigal son, nor in fact the older brother. The essence of this story is about both and then again, the essence of it is about a loving father.

The love of the father is about receiving that love whether or not we are approaching him as a prodigal or an embittered older brother. Jesus had no wish to find that either were missing the kingdom of heaven, and in fact, we immediately see the danger of the older brother remaining outside the family home by the end of the story. Luke does not tell us whether it ended well or not.

The most important thing of all was that a son told the story. That son was the son of man and son of God. That son died in our place to reconcile all of us into sonship. He wants us to be reconciled to the father's house.

Understanding our position of what it is to be in sonship, what it is to be called to bear the image of God is central to the human call. What else were we made for? The only thing that prevents, or prohibits that, is the attitude of our heart towards the father and therefore our relationship to the father. That is the very thing that causes us to run from the father's house and refuse to enter into it.

You are called into sonship today. I hope this book helps a little as you embark on that journey in your reading.