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A story is told of a young man called Jochen sitting quietly on a train as it rattled along through the German countryside. He was deep in thought and obviously troubled about something. The only other person in the compartment was a minister who sensed that the youth was worried, and being a compassionate man, wanted to help if he could. He introduced himself and then gently said, “I can see that you are troubled about something. Would you like to tell me about it?” Jochen was wary of the minister at first, but eventually began to tell his tale:
It seemed he had been a rebellious lad and had constantly been arguing with his mum and dad over just about everything. He wanted his own way all the time, and he had always felt angry towards them when they didn’t agree to his wishes. Finally, in a fit of rage he left home, telling them that he hated them both and vowing never to return.
Two years had passed since that fateful day and Jochen had come to realise that his parents were right and he was wrong. They had been a difficult two years; moving from one dumpy apartment to another, getting a little money here and there. Oh, he had made friends with those of his own age, but his heart continued to fret for his family. He missed his mum and dad, but he was unable to go home because of his vow and his pride.
Finally, when he could bear it no longer, he decided to write a letter to his parents and this is what he wrote …
“I realise now that you were right and I was wrong. I am sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused. I also realise that I love you both dearly and I want to come home if you will have me? I know you must be angry with me, and maybe you don’t want me anymore? But I have booked a seat on the Dusseldorf train which is scheduled to stop at our village at 10:15 next Thursday morning.
“You know the old tree on the bend near the railway track. If you want me home just tie a white tea towel to one of the branches, and as the train pulls in I will see it and get off. If I do not see the tea towel on the tree, I will know that I’m not welcome and I will stay on the train. I will understand if you don’t ever want to see me again, for I have made your lives difficult. But I ask you to forgive me, if you can find it in your heart?”
And now the train was nearing his village. Did they want him home again or didn’t they? He so wanted to get off the train to see his parents and express his sorrow for continually disobeying them. He wanted to show them, though older now, he could be happily submissive, but would he get the chance? The feeling of expectancy was growing in his heart as the train drew closer to that old tree by the track.
He could not bear to look and see if the tea towel was hanging there, so as the train approached that fateful bend, he asked if the minister could look for him? The kindly minister pulled down the carriage window and peered out! Jochen looked at his face to see any glimmer of expression which would forewarn him of the minister’s response, but there was none.
“Well?” said Jochen, “Well?”
“You’d better look for yourself,” said the old minister.
So, with his heart pounding within his chest, Jochen looked out to see the tree …
Yes, a white tea towel hung from one of the branches. But there were also white sheets … and white pillowcases … and white tablecloths … and white bath towels … and white blankets, covering the tree!
… and a broken and grateful son was welcomed home into the arms of his loving parents.
This is a modern-day parable which ‘paints a picture’ of God’s love for his wayward child. His love is so beautiful. If we overlook Him or neglect Him, we will overlook a wonderful and exciting future. Everything depends upon our relationship with Him – everything. He so desperately longs for His rebellious children to return home.
Excerpt from When Angry Hearts Forgive by Robert Warren (available on Amazon)
