The theme itself is perennial. Whether it is expressed in The Angels’ 1963 number one song, "My Boyfriend's Back", or Thin Lizzy’s 1976 chart topper, “The Boys Are Back In Town”, or the Dropkick Murphys’ 2013 hit “The Boys Are Back”, or any one of a dozen similar releases, the notion of young men who had gone away, but have now returned, is a common theme in popular music.
Just as it is in life itself. The entertainment industry knows this well. Consider such classics as Charles Frazier’s 1997 novel Cold Mountain, later made into a 2003 blockbuster movie. Like the 1993 movie before it, Sommersby, and its basis, the true-life historical account of the return of a 16th century French peasant named Martin Guerre (itself the subject of multiple books and movies), the story of a young man returning from a difficult struggle in military service and resuming his life is a powerful motif.
If you are wondering where I am headed with all of this, suffice it to say that today has been a day of joyous celebration in our family! For my son, who has been away overseas in service to our country, returned home today after a lengthy deployment.
Along with other members of the family, his mother and I are ecstatic. We are also extremely proud of him and all he has undertaken on our behalf, not only as his parents, but also as American citizens. His service and sacrifice has, in part, helped to make possible the many freedoms we enjoy!
Of course, long ago, the Bible itself explored similar themes. Some sons went away against their will. Joseph was a beloved son was taken against his will, but who eventually came back victorious. Other sons left of their own volition, but came home defeated and humbled. Consider the famed prodigal son.
But One Son, the biggest of all, went away of His own volition, fought and won the greatest victory, and returned home fully triumphant. That Son, of course, was none other than Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Even now, He is loved and adored as He sits at the right hand of His Father, fully satisfied in the accomplishment He achieved, and awaiting the culmination of all things when He will be crowned as Victor once and for all!
Admittedly, the comparison is a feeble one. But I too now know the anguish of a father whose son left of his own free volition to defend, protect, and ensure the future of others. More to the point, I now know the joy of a father whose son has not only embraced such a task and born that responsibility, but who has come through victorious and returned home to those whom he loves and cherishes!
For all of this, I am grateful! An earthly son, and a Heavenly One, both of whom have willingly given of themselves for me and mine! To God be the glory!
Just as it is in life itself. The entertainment industry knows this well. Consider such classics as Charles Frazier’s 1997 novel Cold Mountain, later made into a 2003 blockbuster movie. Like the 1993 movie before it, Sommersby, and its basis, the true-life historical account of the return of a 16th century French peasant named Martin Guerre (itself the subject of multiple books and movies), the story of a young man returning from a difficult struggle in military service and resuming his life is a powerful motif.
If you are wondering where I am headed with all of this, suffice it to say that today has been a day of joyous celebration in our family! For my son, who has been away overseas in service to our country, returned home today after a lengthy deployment.
Along with other members of the family, his mother and I are ecstatic. We are also extremely proud of him and all he has undertaken on our behalf, not only as his parents, but also as American citizens. His service and sacrifice has, in part, helped to make possible the many freedoms we enjoy!
Of course, long ago, the Bible itself explored similar themes. Some sons went away against their will. Joseph was a beloved son was taken against his will, but who eventually came back victorious. Other sons left of their own volition, but came home defeated and humbled. Consider the famed prodigal son.
But One Son, the biggest of all, went away of His own volition, fought and won the greatest victory, and returned home fully triumphant. That Son, of course, was none other than Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Even now, He is loved and adored as He sits at the right hand of His Father, fully satisfied in the accomplishment He achieved, and awaiting the culmination of all things when He will be crowned as Victor once and for all!
Admittedly, the comparison is a feeble one. But I too now know the anguish of a father whose son left of his own free volition to defend, protect, and ensure the future of others. More to the point, I now know the joy of a father whose son has not only embraced such a task and born that responsibility, but who has come through victorious and returned home to those whom he loves and cherishes!
For all of this, I am grateful! An earthly son, and a Heavenly One, both of whom have willingly given of themselves for me and mine! To God be the glory!