My high school swim coach introduced me to Benny Hester, one of his favorite Christian artists. Hester’s greatest achievement is writing the lyrics to the famous song When God Ran. The inspiration behind this song was the Father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. When this man’s son collected his inheritance, the father waited in a rocking chair on his front porch every day, hoping to be reunited with his son.
Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants, Luke 15:17-19.
One of my college roommates, John, had a famous cousin who is also a Christian musician. Billy Crockett expounds upon God’s nature as a heavenly father in his song A Father’s Love. This song along with Best of Friends stirred my heart and introduced me to the spiritual father detailed in the Bible. Billy’s opening line to A Father’s Love refers to the end of a play, signaling a conclusion to the night.
So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [[j]fervently]. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]! 22 But the father said to his bond servants, Bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet. 23 And bring out [k]that [wheat-]fattened calf and kill it; and let us [l]revel and feast and be happy and make merry, 24 Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to [m]revel and feast and make merry, Luke 15:20-24.
The first stanza refers to a special time, likely a weekend retreat, as participants have to go back to reality on Monday morning. While human beings may not be reliable, Jesus describes the character of a patient and loving God in heaven. Rather than respond with, “I told you so,” in a snarky tone, God is waiting for you and me to return so that our relationship can be reunited. May this blog serve as a reminder that there’s nothing like A Father’s love.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 