Freechilds Garden: or Modern Day Prodigal

My, what a pretty garden! said the deceiver to Freechild. Nothing of the likes
of this did I see when you belonged to the wild. The ground has been dug so deeply,
why, youve even removed all the rocks! The rows are so neat and orderly. Unlike
what is produced by my flocks! I see youre swelling with pride in your beautiful
masterpiece! Why, I dont think youd even be moved, if with weeds I were to tease.
You must be taking lessons from the Seed of Abraham. He has always gotten in my
way! Hes always known that Im a sham!

Well, I must be back to my tending, said Freechild. Youve detained me much

too long. You and your motley parasites, always up to no good and wrong. Go bug your
own household! Of mine take no part!

As the deceiver left, Freechild wondered, Have I made a mistake, this garden to
start?

Oh! good. Here comes the Master Sower. Hell tell me all that I need to know to
keep my garden in tip-top shape, so it might always sprout and grow.

Welcome! said Freechild. Wont you just look at all that I have planted?

But, alas! In sadness the Master said, Already you are in danger of being
slanted! Why did you let Rotten steal your valuable time, and entertain? Come here,
My little Freechild, let Me wash off his appearance stain. If you are to see fruit
come from this garden, remember, it is Mine. There is no room for the weeds of
pride and boasting to spread and climb! Now, listen well to my counsel: The hoeing is
your job to do. Work close to Me, letting My blood-rain be the gardens irrigation
flue. As you hoe, compose praises acclaiming the fruits of produce Spirit. Keep it
well tended with My Word. Lo, I will always be near it.

How greatly encouraged Freechild was by the love of his Master! He had such joy
in his heart. Some wondered if the smile on his face wasnt plaster. Singing songs,
and thinking how easy it was to be a garden tender; each day brought added growth
to the plants his garden surrendered.

Then one hot and humid day, as he wiped his brow of toil-worn sweat, he heard a
voice saying, Have a soft drink, nice and cold and wet! Pull up a chair, come and join
me. My name is Leisure. Little did Freechild realize that this smiling guest reeked
of evil seizure!
 He told Freechild of the sights and sounds on Unemployment Road, hed found.
Captive to hidden tyranny, the excitements pulled Freechilds guard down. His new
friend persuaded him to leave, til tomorrow, the work he had today. So off they
went to play with pleasure; Freechild, ignorant and unafraid.

Once in that forbidden region, however, the promised good tastes became oh, so
bitter, as Freechild thought of the security hed left, for with apostasy to flitter.
He found that he missed the presence of the tender Master Sower. And he found,
to his shame, that his once sensitive ears now heard so much slower. Fear gripped
Freechilds heart, as though it needed him for its ugly survival. In truth it did! But
young Freechild cried out to his Master for revival. To his amazement and joy, an
overflow of strength came to him, enabling him to climb up and out of this misery
filled to the brim.

As he journeyed back to his garden, he thought about the great loss of fruit.
And he wept bitterly, and mourned because he had chosen to be a truant. While in
this state of hurting, his eyes seized upon a familiar face. One of agony and
suffering, hanging on a Tree of utter disgrace! There Freechild knelt, and
worshipped. There Freechild learned the meaning of his name, as Mercy knelt
beside him, and personally cleared away his shame!

Then, in an instant, Freechild was back within his garden. Sitting there amidst the
weedless fruits, he knew he had received pardon! He busied himself with
thanksgiving, adoration and praise, there, content to abide.

Then he heard the voice of Love saying, I have come afresh into My garden
My beloved, My Bride.
hvt