MORNING MANNA 11-26-22
THE PRODIGAL SON
John Newton (1725-1807) the author of much-beloved “Amazing Grace”, shared how the afflictions in his life at sea as a slave-trading captain were God’s way of calling His prodigal home.
“Afflictions, though they seem severe,
In mercy oft are sent.
They stopped the prodigal’s career,
And forced him to repent.
Although he no relenting felt
Till he had spent his store,
His stubborn heart began to melt
When famine pinched him sore.
What have I gained by sin, he said,
But hunger, shame, and fear;
My father’s house abounds with bread,
While I am starving here.
I’ll go, and tell him all I’ve done,
And fall before his face
Unworthy to be called his son,
I’ll seek a servant’s place.
His father saw him coming back,
He saw, and ran, and smiled,
And threw his arms around the neck
Of his rebellious child.
Father, I’ve sinned – but O forgive!
I’ve heard enough, he said,
Rejoice my house, my son’s alive,
For whom I mourned as dead.
Now let the fatted calf be slain,
And spread the news around.
My son was dead, but lives again,
Was lost, but now is found.
‘Tis thus the Lord His love reveals,
To call poor sinners home.
More than a father’s love He
feels,
And welcomes all that come.”
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David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.
