Articles
A Boy and His Baseball
Driving to work the other day, I was listening to the radio when Bob Steele related that
some young boys in his neighborhood were throwing a baseball back and forth. Suddenly, he
heard the sound of crashing glass. Looking around, he noted that the back glass of his wife’s car
had sustained a direct hit, and a young boy was running toward his wife. He further noticed that
in a moment his wife had her arms around the lad and was giving him a big hug.
His wife later explained why she was so eager to comfort the boy in his distress. As
quickly as the ball hit, the boy came running up and said, “I did it. I’m so sorry! Can you ever
forgive me?” In the face of such an open confession, and the obvious contrition, her heart
immediately went out to the boy in ready forgiveness.
If we, being evil can be touched by repentance and confession, how much more is that
true of our Heavenly Father. As David, in the long ago, said, “The sacrifice acceptable to God is
a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). Isn’t that good to
know!
A vivid picture of the tender mercy of God is to be found in the haunting story told by
Jesus of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Coming home, after a misspent period in his life, the son
said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called
your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”
Such penitence and confession touched the father and caused him to have compassion.
The wayward son was immediately embraced and kissed by the father. And that wasn’t all. The
son was instantly restored and a joyful banquet was held.
And that, my friend, is the way God treats penitent sinners. It’s His nature.
In the long ago, God introduced Himself to Moses with the words, “The LORD, the
LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and
faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).
Blessed be the name of the LORD!
John Gipson
Windsong church of Christ Little Rock, AR
