Jordan heard the knock on the doorpost of his home. “Coming!” As he neared the doorway, he could see the figure of a man but could not make out his face as the sun shone from directly behind the silhouette, effectively blinding Jordan.
“I come with an invitation.” said the man to whom the silhouette belonged before Jordan could get into position to converse with him.
“Invitation from Whom?” Jordan did not appreciate the interruption, but his curiosity was piqued.
“The lost son of my lord, Elam of Ramoth-Gilead, has returned to the immensely pleasant surprise of his father. The fattened calf is being prepared as we speak and shall be served at dusk today, sir. It would make Elam most joyful to have you, your wife and your son in attendance.”
“I had heard that son was dead,” said Jordan from a surprised but elated heart for his beloved friend, Elam.
“That was our fear, sir, but fortunately, that fear has this day been dispelled.”
“It would be my great honor to attend and celebrate this most joyful turn of events, but you do understand this is very short notice.”
I do indeed, as does my lord, Elam, but I do not wish to understate the addition to Elam’s bliss – yea, to that of his entire household – that your presence would make, my lord, Jordan.”
With such honor and respect exuding from the mouth of Elam’s servant, the urgency of the merchants’ order Jordan had spent all day pouring over was falling to a lower and lower priority by the second. Of course! He had to attend! This was one of his closest friends and most respected business associates, and his son who had also been a close companion to his own son, had in essence returned from the dead. The merchants’ order would be filled tomorrow, This was a day of celebration!
“Prepare my steed and carriage,” Jordan said to his stable hand.
“Immediately, sire.” The steward turned and walked toward the stable to accommodate his master’s desire.
Jordan, his wife, Abigail, and their son, Nathan, sat in the carriage as their driver navigated through the network of roads to Elam’s estate.
“When did the boy return?” Abigail asked about Elam’s long-lost son.
“Just this morning. That is why the invitation came with such short notice. I can only imagine being in Elam’s shoes. It is rumored that your son is dead, then much to your surprise, you see him walking the path to return home. The servant bringing the invitation said Elam ran toward his son when he saw him, fell on his neck in joyful tears and brought him to the house, called all his household together and officially reinstated his position in the family.”
Abigail fought back tears as she tried to speak. “Every time I heard mention of Elam’s son being lost to him I thanked Jehovah that our Nathan has remained faithful and wise.” Abigail lifted her eyes to meet Nathan’s who sat opposite her and Jordan in the carriage.
Nathan’s eyes dropped as he fought back tears of his own. Seconds later he had gathered himself just enough to speak. “It is hard to believe my prayers for Andrew have finally been answered.”
“You prayed for him to come home?” asked his father.
“I prayed for him to succeed.”
“I am not sure that is the prayer that was answered,” Abigail said, having heard he returned home penniless with the hope that his father would accept him as a servant on his estate.
“His life is not over. There are still many years for success in his future,” Nathan argued respectfully to his mother. “For now, being safe and with his family is success.“ Abigail found it comforting that her son, the same age as Andrew, saw value in being with family.
“Yes,” Jordan agreed, “If God is willing, Andrew has a long life still ahead of him to achieve all kinds of success, as do you, my son.”
The carriage followed the steed onto the driveway leading to Elam’s house. Music was playing from behind the house accompanied by the smell of beef and cheers of Elam’s friends. As they followed the cart path around to the back of the house, they saw the crowd of guests and the fire roasting the calf. Wine was being poured into the cups of all the guests as many of them tore bread and dipped it into bowls of olive oil, eating and laughing together.
Jordan and his family stepped down from their carriage. Nathan spotted Andrew across the lawn and quick-stepped excitedly over toward him; Jordan and Abigail found an unassuming place among the guests and received bread and wine.
Nathan and Andrew embraced, kissing each other on their cheeks and laughing that they were together again after two long years. “You’re home!” Nathan said with a full-faced smile.
“Yes, home! It is so good to see you, my friend!”
“I am sorry to interrupt the reconciliation of best friends,” Elam interjected as he stepped in and placed his hands on his son’s shoulders, “but it is time for the most joyful announcement.”
Elam led Andrew onto the veranda where servants placed a robe on Andrew’s shoulders and had him sit so that they could place special shoes onto his feet. Then his father took him by the hand, gently lifting it as Andrew stood in response. Elam slid the family signet ring onto Andrew’s finger that signified his full restoration of sonship and authority in the estate. Then, Elam, still holding the hand of his son, turned to face their guests, “Thank you all, my friends, for your presence at this most joyous occasion. For Jehovah has brought my son home! He was dead but is now alive. He was lost but he is home again. Please, eat, drink, thank God for His goodness and honor my son in his return and restoration!”
“He was lost, but now he is found.” So the party began. – Luke 15:24
