“So he got up and went to his father.But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:20-24.
Grace! This story is about the father’s love, forgiveness and grace lavished on his sons. The father in this parable is a picture of how our Heavenly Father loves us and lavishes us with His love, forgiveness and grace. Biblical grace is defined as being given something we didn’t earn nor do we deserve.
The younger son in this parable has come to rock bottom and has decided he would be better off returning home. Let’s remember that home, in the younger son’s point of view, is where he alienated his father and burned all his bridges. This younger son decides to offer himself up as a slave — to his father — to have enough to eat and to have a place to live.
But, even before the son has completed the journey and is still on the road, His father runs to meet the younger son. In Israel it would have been disgraceful for an older man to run for any reason. Yet this father is so overjoyed at seeing his son return, he runs to meet him.
The younger son repented, he confessed his sin. The Father immediately tells his servants three things that solidify the younger son’s position in the household. The robe, the ring and the sandals are all symbols of authority and acceptance, not the sort of attire for a slave, but instead, for a son. A fattened calf would have been saved for a special occasion; the son’s return and restoration in the family and household were considered a reason to celebrate by the father.
Our Heavenly Father lavishes His love, grace and forgiveness on us as well, when we confess our sin to him. Watch and listen to this song by Phillips, Craig and Dean. Let the words and music encourage you and prompt you if you need to confess, repent, and enjoy the Father’s lavish grace. “He Ran To Me (The Prodigal Son)”
by Grace Hunter
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