It is very possible that the prodigal son had some pangs of conscience, some distress and regrets when he was in the far country and wasting his substance with riotous living. He knew the law; he knew what he was doing was wrong, for he had been raised by a godly father. But it was not until he considered where he was, what he was, and how he was living in the light of his father’s mercy and goodness that he turned from his way and started home.
The Scripture says, “He came to himself and said, how many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger.”He realized that not only the sons but the hired servants of his father fared well and were treated with great mercy, while the world afforded him nothing but misery. David wrote of this saying, “I had rather be a doorkeeper in my father’s house than dwell as an owner of the world’s house.”
I am persuaded that a realization and understanding of the goodness, mercy, and grace of God will do more toward bringing a person to true repentance and a return to the Father than the law, conscience, and threats! The prodigal said, “I will arise from this hog pen and go to my generous and gracious father and confess that I have sinned against God and in his sight and I do not deserve to be a son anymore; just make me one of your hired servants, father, for your hired servants, your horses, and the dogs fare better than the kings and queens of this world.”
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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