For better or worse, our image of Father God is often influenced by the images we have of our earthly father. The story of the Prodigal Son, however, reveals interesting aspects of the Father’s love: His unconditional, accepting, pre-emptive and redemptive love.
RELEVANCE
When I was young I worked in stables grooming and training race horses. I returned to my parent’s suburban home in clothes that wreaked of everything they found repulsive. Did they like it? Absolutely not. But they loved me in a way I couldn’t quite understand until I became a father.
In the story of the Prodigal, the father knew the son was living with pigs. He saw the son’s condition from the distance. He understood the situation. As the son was convicted of his ways and repented, the father saw into his heart. Our heavenly Father, likewise, truly longs for all His children to turn His way and be found by Him. Once back home, the father had things to give his son. He said to his servants, “Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.” (Luke 15:22)
God has spiritual garments for His children to wear. They identify us as His children. He has a robe of righteousness for you to put on! It reflects the majesty and beauty of the LORD. He has a ring, representing His covenant of love; and shoes providing stable footing so we may have a walk worthy of being called His. What an honor it is to walk in His garments.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Think about your garments as the things that cover and represent you; your attitudes.
How much do they represent your heavenly Father? Yet He loves you.
Meditate about what it is to wear His robe, ring and shoes.
REFERENCES
Luke 15:11-32