"Prodigal"

The yonderling a-wandering,

From all his mama prayed,

Gone from home so far to roam,

And way too long he stayed.

But all the miles and no worthwhiles,

Taught him what he knew,

The distant range is fun and strange,

Until the pleasure’s through.

The funds run out and all the clout,

You had before it’s gone,

And soon you find no peace of mind,

The price when life is wrong.

A feeding swine is not the kind,

Of dream you tried to chase,

And working there you finally swear,

Back home’s a better place.

Get up and go and don’t go slow,

But travel till you’re there,

Hope for grace from daddy’s face,

Spite of the guilt you bear.

The mercy of the father’s love,

Who dashes out to greet,

Has greater grace for your sad case,

This love cannot be beat.

How many days does this replay,

The prodigal’s old song,

Lost then found, the grace abounds,

We’ve know it all along.

But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:22-24, NIV)

Jesus’ lost and found trilogy of stories culminates with the return of the lost son. He already speaks of the celebration when the lost sheep and lost coin are found. But when the lost son comes home they really have a party! The grace is generous, so much so that the older son is offended by it. In fact he won’t join the party because of his sense of entitlement. The father goes out to him, too, and implores him to join the party and celebrate. “Your brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” There is nothing greater, and we will celebrate the grace forever.

Lord, help us celebrate Your grace, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.