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.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin =
[email protected] =
www.grif.net =
"Jesus =
Knows Me, This I =
Love!"