Which Son Are You?
Dr. Jim Denison
Luke 15:11-32
Thesis: We are each welcome in the Kingdom of God
One of the most encouraging readings I have ever found is this adaptation from Henri Nouwein’s classic book The Beloved:
I have called you by name
from the very beginning.
You are mine and I am yours.
You are my beloved,
on you my favor rests.
I have molded you in the depths of the earth
and knitted you together in your mother’s womb.
I have carved you in the palm of my hand
and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace.
I look at you with infinite tenderness
and care for you with a care more intimate
than that of a mother for her child.
I have counted every hair on your head
and guided you at every step.
Wherever you go, I go with you,
and wherever you rest, I keep watch.
I will give you food that will satisfy all your hunger
and drink that will quench all your thirst.
I will not hide my face from you.
You are my beloved in whom I am well pleased.
Do these words touch you at a deep place in your soul? Why?
The most popular hymn in America is “Amazing Grace.” This is the conclusion of a survey of more than 10,000 newspaper readers. Others on the top ten list: “How Great Thou Art”; “In The Garden”; “The Old Rugged Cross”; “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”; “A Mighty Fortress”; “Blessed Assurance”; “He Lives”; “Victory In Jesus”; and “Holy, Holy, Holy.” What do our most beloved hymns have in common?