THE PRODIGAL SON by C. H. Blake

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 1, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 18.

THE PRODIGAL SON.

By C. H. Blake

THE term “prodigal” is applied to one who uses his means unwisely; who spends lavishly.

Our heavenly Father has adopted us; we are His sons. This is a precious privilege; but Satan, who is constantly working for our overthrow, would have us believe to the contrary. He would have us look upon God as hard and tyrannical, and His laws as unjust. But is this the kind of being that our God is?—Most certainly not. He declares Himself, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Ex. 34:6.

That we might not be lost, eternally lost, but might live and reign with Him thruout the ceaseless ages of eternity, God gave the best gift that heaven could afford, even His dearly beloved Son. Is not this alone sufficient evidence that He is a merciful God? We should never parley with so great a deceiver as Satan has proved himself to be; but like the Saviour we should say, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” It is only when we stop to listen to him that we get into trouble.

How many prodigal sons are there among us?—A great many, it is to be feared. How much do we possess that we can really call our own? Do not our time and means all belong to God? Yet how many times we become tired of living with our heavenly Father and serving Him. We wander away from home; and instead of using our time and means in a way that will glorify God, we spend these blessings that He has bestowed, lavishly in the enjoyment of the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season.

How does the Father feel when we wander away? Does He give us up in despair? Listen to the divine assurance, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5. His care is ever over us; His Spirit is ever pleading with us to return. Ever to the sin-weary soul the invitation is extended, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28. For He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

Our God is a merciful God. He is long-suffering. When we come back to Him, how gladly He receives us! He covers us with His spotless robe of righteousness, taking away every effect of sin, and He enfolds us in His arms of love.

Not only is the Father rejoiced at our return, but the whole family of heaven is made glad. Dear reader, do you not want a part in making joy in heaven? If you do, yield to God. Let Him take you, and mould your character, and fit you for His service. It is only by this that we can be made such persons as will please Him. When the cares and perplexities have done their work in polishing our characters, we shall be prepared for a place in the heavenly family.

Onawa, Iowa. C. H. BLAKE.