Day 2: The Father Cuts Off the Cutting Away

In Jewish culture there was a tradition called the Kezazah. If a Jewish youth lost his family inheritance to Gentiles and returned home, the village would meet him at the edge of town with a clay pot, smash it in front of him, and declare him completely cut off. Everyone knew this tradition. The son is walking home knowing he is about to be cut off but might still be able to become a slave. But the father runs to get to the son before anyone else can perform the Kezazah, officially cutting him off. The father cuts off the cutting away. The breaking of a clay pot was a symbol of 'you broke our family apart,' not 'you are broken away from us.' God does the same for you. Before the voices of shame, the village, or your own self-condemnation can officially cut you off, the Father runs to you. He refuses to let what broke the family define your place in it.