Prodigal Son
The Point: Repentance.
The Message: I've come back to God and it's all that I want.
The Scoop: We have all fallen short of the glory of God, as the Bible states so clearly. Very few are ready to return to Him, for they think they can manage on their own, and God would only punish them if they tried to come back. This is all a lie. We CANNOT make it on our own, and God loves us all and is willing to forgive OUR sins if we return to Him and confess our wrong ways. God doesn't want anyone to perish but wants wants all men to be saved.
The Tale: This song is a rewriting of the Bible story about a young man who runs away, and squanders his dad's wealth on material things. After wasting everything, a famine comes and he has to return to his father. Expecting to be punished for his wrong deeds, the young man is surprised when his father comes out and greets him with open arms and demands a festival in the young man's honor.
The Idea: The message of the prodigal son is powerful and important. One morning while on vacation, I had read this little story in the Bible and just had a definite desire to rewrite it. With all my songs, I want to hit a nerve, and leave people thinking about something very clearly. Writing the Prodigal Son meant those who heard the song would think about the concept more than just briefly. I want everyone who hears it to consider their ways, and consider a loving heavenly Father who is waiting with open arms for them to return.
