We cannot cling to anything forever. God provided manna for the Israelites to eat throughout their forty years in the wilderness. Now they had entered the Promised Land; the manna had ceased, and they were now on their own. They were moving to the next stage of their journey, one that involved settling down and building a just and godly society.

When we are truly in Christ, we have to let go of the past and all of the things that defined us. We become something new - a new creation, with a changed vision of the world, life, and other people. It is not business as usual.

The Prodigal Son symbolises each of us - we wander, make mistakes, weep tears, and find our way home, much humbler and wiser. It is how we grow and learn. God does not judge us and is delighted to have us back.

The elder brother reminds us of many people who judge others and see themselves as separate and different. The message is that all people are one and all our trouble stems from seeing ourselves as distinct. We will not be at peace until there is great unity of minds and hearts and we think of ourselves as one.