In Luke 15:11-32 Jesus tells a story of a father with two sons. Since we do not have space in this meditation to talk about both sons we are focusing on the younger, who approached the father asking to receive his inheritance early. According to Jewish law at the father’s death the younger son would receive one third and the elder two thirds of the estate (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17) which could be abdicated early. This younger son took his allotment, left home and spent it on the wasteful living of fleshly gratifications! Finally in poverty and want he remembers the good life at home and returns with a heart of repentance. The father runs to him, embraces him, and even before he completes his sentence of repentance, totally forgives him restoring his family relationship and standing! This parable could be viewed as one that has received salvation today, falls back into sin, and then returns to the Father; However I think it best to look at the much broader view where at creation man was made in God’s image (cf. Genesis 1:27), but through the temptation consisting of “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” 1 John 2:16, he left that estate falling into sin. Just as the Father came seeking His fallen man in the Garden of Eden (cf. Genesis 3:8-9) Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost” Luke 19:10. By responding to His call with heartfelt repentance we are granted total restoration for He “is also able to save to the uttermost (entirely, completely, to the full end) those who come to God through Him” Hebrews 7:25. Then like with the repentant son, the Father brings out the best Robe, “…the robe of righteousness…” Isaiah 61:10 and clothes us; places on us the ring of acceptance and belonging, it was likely a signet ring giving him family authority, and 2 Corinthians 1:22 says that God “has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee”; He also puts shoes on our feet so we can “Walk in the Spirit…and not fulfill the lust of the flesh” Galatians 5:16. If life has disappointed you, come to Jesus and live; then watch God throw a joy party on your behalf!!
The Father’s love
By Rose Hill
The prodigal son went astray,
He was gone for many a day.
The father kept looking for him to come home,
Wondering when he would cease to roam.
Finally the lost one got tired of his sin,
And his father with a feast welcomed him in.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.