Randy Wray’s Blog

My copy of The Return of The Prodigal arrived yesterday. Wait, I could not, to dive in and read. I tore open the package and read through the first 80 pages. I have three initial observations this far.

First, You should read whatever book Steve happens to be reading or has read. In fact, for the upcoming new year let’s all make a list of the 10 books we should all read next year.

Second, The impetus for this book was Henri Nouwen’s fascination and identification with Rembrandt’s painting The Return of The Prodigal Son. His journey began by seeing a poster of the painting. His inspiration came from sitting in the presence of the actual painting for hours in the hermitage at St. Petersburg.

My second observation led quickly to my third observation. I immediately thought of a print that is hanging on the wall in my office. It is a small replica of Daniel In The Lion’s Den by Sir Peter Paul Reubens. The actual piece is massive (7 feet by 10 feet) and is on display at the National Gallery of Art. It’s a print that I have just now realized speaks a great deal to my own feelings and perspective on life in ministry.

In the same way Nouwen identifies with and is fascinated by The Prodigal Son, I identify with and am fascinated by Daniel In The Lion’s Den. That should make an interesting topic for further exploration.