“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.” – Luke 15:21-22
In His famous parable, Jesus contrasts how we imagine God’s forgiveness and how His forgiveness actually works. We’re like that prodigal son. Once we reach the end of ourselves and recognize our vile and destructive rebellion against God’s will, we reluctantly turn to God. In doing so, we focus on our failure. We dwell on our guilt and shame. We reason about what we deserve and we try to negotiate reasonable terms given our unreasonable behavior.
But God isn’t like that at all! He’s like the father in this parable. When we turn to Him in repentance and faith in Jesus, God is overjoyed, not guarded. He isn’t focused on negotiation or recrimination. He’s focused on full restoration. He’s focused on lavish celebration. He’s focus on showering us with love. At that time, the robe, ring, and shoes were all symbols of the restoration of the family relationship. The prodigal’s father delightedly welcomed his son back into the family, embracing him, and holding nothing back from him, despite his past rebellion and contempt toward him. He simply loved his son who had returned at last.
That’s what God offers everyone through faith in Jesus Christ. Every sin completely forgiven. The relationship each person was made to enjoy with their Creator restored in peace, joy, and love. Adoption in the divine family. No recrimination and no condemnation because Jesus already dealt with all that on the cross. Only a welcome and celebration that will never end. #FollowJesus