Come Ye Sinners

The Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt)

Luke 15:18-20 King James Version (KJV)

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

If Rembrandt had wanted his life story and his gratitude towards the rich mercy he received from our Heavenly Father's hands to be depicted in one painting, he succeeded, so much so that it has been described as the greatest painting ever painted.  In this age of moral relativism where sin is described as "mistakes" or "lapses in judgment" this profound truth about God's forgiveness is being lost.  I  don't know if there is anything sweeter than forgiveness given or forgiveness received; and, when it comes from the Savior, it is a comforting balm, a blessed sustenance to the starving soul.   Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy, a hymn written by Joseph Hart and also known as I Will Arise and Go to Jesus, is in essence the story of the prodigal son set to verse.  

I Will Arise and Go to Jesus/Musical Priest - Michael Card

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

Weak and wounded, sick and sore;

Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of pity, love and power.

Refrain

I will arise and go to Jesus,

He will embrace me in His arms;

In the arms of my dear Savior,

O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,

God’s free bounty glorify;

True belief and true repentance,

Every grace that brings you nigh.

Refrain

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,

Lost and ruined by the fall;

If you tarry till you’re better,

You will never come at all.

Refrain

View Him prostrate in the garden;

On the ground your Maker lies.

On the bloody tree behold Him;

Sinner, will this not suffice?

Refrain

Lo! th’incarnate God ascended,

Pleads the merit of His blood:

Venture on Him, venture wholly,

Let no other trust intrude.

Refrain

Let not conscience make you linger,

Not of fitness fondly dream;

All the fitness He requireth

Is to feel your need of Him.

Refrain