'Father-style' (2)

Yesterday we saw how God wants us to be protective 'fathers' to prodigals. But, let's remember that we need to accept God as Father before we can be a 'father'. After all, who can be a father before they're a son? Before we can be joyful, we have to know we're enjoyed.

Here are three things about the 'Prodigal Son' story that we may not know: First - when the son returned after being around pigs and muck for so long, he wouldn't have been particularly banquet-ready. Frankly, he would have stunk. Yet his father clothed him in a rich robe. God covers our stinking messes up too when we come home to him. Secondly - the prodigal's father put a big ring on his hand. That ring was the family's ring, which they would've stamped in wax for business-type mail. He was truly a member of the family. Same for us. God doesn't sign us up for a part-time, optional-hours contract; he adopts us as full-time family members straight away. Lastly - he put sandals on his son's feet. Way back then, only accepted, established sons wore shoes in public. The father was allowing anyone who came across the son's path to see he was 100% forgiven and welcomed back.

What does God want us to know: he offers his robe, ring and sandals to us too!



So what now? Take time to consider that the 'prodigal son' is you. Thank God that he's the Father who loves you, ran to meet you, welcomed you home and restored you.





— SCRIPTURE —

'"He was lost, but now he is found." So the party began.' Luke 15:24 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Josh 22-24, John 16:19-33, Ps 147:1-11, Pro 29:1-5