Biblical Ballads

One son said to his father,

"Father, I want to go.

Give me my share of the money,

To spend either fast or slow."

The money soon was all gone.

His friends had said, "So long."

He learned of life at its worst.

He would ask if he could come home.

Refrain:

Dad, can I come home?

I no longer want to roam.

My heart is here with Mom and you.

I'd like to start my life anew.

Dad, can I come home?

I'll tell my dad that I'm sorry.

That my sense of values was wrong.

I need his love and example;

I want and need to belong.

His father ran to meet him.

The son was welcomed and kissed.

"Here's a robe and a ring for your finger.

Let's give a 'Welcome home' feast."

Refrain:

Dad, can I.....

From out of the distant hills

Came a voice, jealous but true.

The father tried to help him see

That his love was big enough for two.

"My son," the gentle father said,

"All that I have belongs to you.

So share my joy that a man has learned

That a father's mercy and love are true."

Refrain:

Dad...... Dad, I've come home.

James and John were washing their nets.

This is how they and Jesus met.

Jesus said, "Let's go fishing."

Refrain:

Sons of Thunder were James and John.

They were the ones the master relied upon

To be convinced,

That he was right,

Then to help others live the risk of freedom.

James and John went out to teach.

They met someone else who wanted to preach.

They said: "Man, you've got to stop!"

They wanted to throw him out of the land.

They told Jesus all about this man.

Jesus said: "Let this man alone."

Refrain:

Sons of Thunder .....

James and John were men of their times.

They studied the world with eyes opened wide.

They decided: "This world could be better."

They studied Christ, his words and ambitions.

His message drew a strong, inner conviction.

They agreed: "Christ is our man."

Refrain:

Sons of Thunder....

James and John were from Galilee.

Rough and ready they would always be.

Christ could use - such Sons of Thunder!

Refrain:

Sons of Thunder...

Jonah, go to Ninive. Tell them that my mercy awaits them!

From Yahweh's voice he ran away.

So safe at home he could not stay.

On a sailing ship he made his way.

But the whirling storm still seems to say:

Jonah, go to Ninive. Tell them that my mercy awaits them!

"Pray," said the captain; "Pray," said the mate.

"Pray, you sleepy one, or share our fate!

Are you the sinner aboard this boat?

Over you'll go and we'll let you float!"

Jonah, go to Ninive. Tell them that my love is near.

"Take me now and throw me in.

You, at least, won't share my sin."

A fish's mouth now opened wide

And Jonah found himself inside!

Jonah, in the whale, thought he could run from Yahweh!

Jonah raised his eyes and sighed.

His heart repented and his voice now cried:

"Lord, I praise you from the depth of Sheol.

To see your temple is my only goal."

The big fish gave a mighty burp!

And Jonah felt a violent jerk!

The sands were soft on the distant shore.

And Jonah was on dry land once more!

Jonah, go to Ninive. Tell them that my mercy awaits them!

Jonah, go NOW!

He finally arrived in Ninive.

To cross the town took many a day.

They all repented, both man and beast.

And Jonah, once again, was a smug old man!

Jonah, poor old Jonah.

Do you really think Jonah could live in a whale?

The writer made it a very good tale.

To show God's mercy on those who believe.

And mercy, O Lord, to me, for I believe - I believe.