that he would “arise, and go to his Father”! In what humiliation, fear, shame, distress, he had to urge his weary way along the return road! Only one thing could have been worse—that be should not have come back. Oh, you who are forsaking Christ, if you be really his, you will have to come back; but no joyous journey will that be for you. No, indeed! It never has been, and never can be. Still blessed be the Lord, who forces you to make it, difficult and hard though it be. It is the hand which was