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The Prodigal Son is a familiar Bible story, and it is often used as an illustration when someone has wandered into an unhealthy or overtly sinful lifestyle. Sometimes we listen comfortably and think, “Wow, he was really a goner!”

But we forget that there were two sons in the parable found in Luke, chapter 15. There was the prodigal who came to himself and realized his hopelessness, and there was the older brother who was satisfied in his self righteousness.

The message is the same for both: we are all totally dependent on the mercy and grace of the Father. Only as we realize this can we know His full blessing.

I love the words in the old hymn “Rock of Ages” for it speaks to my great need of the Savior and my inability to make it on my own.

I am Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power. 

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All could never sin erase,
Thou must save, and save by grace. 

Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die. 

source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/miscellaneouslyrics/christianlyrics/rockofagescleftformelyrics.html 

I am thankful, so thankful for this mercy and His great grace that calls me to Himself.