“The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” – Psalm 145:9 (NIV)
God loves us so much that He desires for us to have an everlasting life. He didn’t come into the world to condemn us, but that through Him the world might be saved.
Men should stay in their purpose and pursue the things of God. This will indeed guide the family to a better quality of life, but this process has to start now. The culture in the time of the prodigal son was one of honour and shame, where the actions of one person could alienate an entire family. Families would sometimes disown members who brought shame to their names.
The father in the account of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is a forgiving and compassionate figure who represents God’s unconditional love for His children. The lost son realised he had made a mistake and decided to return to his father’s house, and that decision was from his heart. The father kept looking to see when he would return, just like our Redeemer, Who daily makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34).
When we step out or move away from under the covering of God, satan makes it difficult for us to get back to that place where the love of God never ceases. But with perseverance, we can return. One day, the father recognised his son coming in the distance, and didn’t wait for him to reach, but ran to meet him. His lost son had returned and repented. God forgives people who repent and ask for forgiveness.
He was then clothed in appropriate clothing (robe, ring, and sandals), and a feast of rejoicing was ordered. These gifts symbolise the gift that Christians receive from God through salvation.
- The robe – A sign of dignity and honour, and the robe of the Redeemer’s righteousness.
- The ring – A sign of authority and sonship, and the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- The sandal – A sign of not being a servant, and feet fitted for the Gospel of peace.
- The feast – A celebration of the prodigal son’s return, and a representation of the privilege of being part of the Spirit of adoption.
God wants to share His love with us if we return to Him. It’s never too late once we have life.
Read: 1 John 4:19; Ephesians 4:32
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 69:1-12; John 21; 2 Samuel 2:8-32; 2 Samuel 3:1-21