“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.” – Luke 15:22-23

Jesus shared the prodigal son story to help us understand the boundless love that God has for each and every one of his children. He teaches us that there is nothing that can ever keep us from being loved by God. Not trouble, not calamity, not persecution, hunger, death and certainly not our foolishness. His love overshadows all these circumstances.

We know how the prodigal son threw away his father’s inheritance by living a wild life and came home covered in hog excrement. However, the Scripture for today describes his father’s ecstatic reaction when he returned. He put a ring on his son’s finger as seal of sonship, signifying an inclusion back into the fold and restoration of status.

The same is true for us when we’ve gone off course and made a mess of our lives. Despite what you’ve done, God has a robe of honor waiting for you. He has a family ring that restores all the authority of sonship. He has the best shoes for you. He has a fatted calf and feast, the best thing you could ever do is return to Him. He stands at the door of your heart and knock, He longs for you to open up so he can dine with you, and you with Him.

God has a fattened calf out in the field with your name on it. He desires to bring back what has been taken from you, including your joy, honor, and reputation. Get up and visit your Father.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your love, thank you for forgiveness of sins and restoration. Please help us come to realization about our status in you. Help us remain in you, for only through that can we bear fruit. Give us the strength to resist temptations and desires that sway us from your presence, in Jesus name. Amen!