One of my favorite times of day is the hour before bedtime. I usually pull up some YouTube videos and listen to music. The other night “Forgiven Again” came up on my screen. I had not watched that video by “Signature Sound” in a long time. The song touched my heart like it always does.
Chorus: “Just insight of the place where the lane meets the road, The Father is waiting to carry your load. His big arms are longing to draw you to Him, Forgiven, forgiven, forgiven again.” [Forgiven Again, by Gloria Gaither, Benjamin W. Gaither]
This song is based on a parable Jesus told. It highlights the wondrous love of God. It is the Parable of the Prodigal found in Luke 15. We are all familiar with that parable. The son wanted his inheritance, the father gave it to him. The son then ran through that inheritance with wild living. When the son reached rock bottom, he decided to return to his father and beg to be taken back into the family.
But … and here is the best part … “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” [vs20 NLT]
The son begins to beg for forgiveness … but the Father has already started the party! “His father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” [vs 22-25]
“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” [Luke 15:7]
Thank you, LORD, for loving and forgiving this prodigal. Amen
