THE WONDERFUL FATHER
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 fatted calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate." Luke 15:22-23
Yesterday I wrote about the forgiveness of the father. All he had to hear was the confession of the son, he never allowed the young man to speak of feelings of unworthiness. Today I want to focus on the result of the son's confession. The confession brought about blessings and restoration.
The father immediately treated the son as an honored guest by putting the best robe on him. He restored the son's position in the family by putting a ring on his finger. He restored his station in life as a son, not a servant or hired hand, by putting sandals on his feet.
He gave his son more than he had ever had before by providing a party with a fatted calf, reserved for special guests. We know this had not been done for a son before because the older son came in complaining of the special treatment of the restored son. He had been a faithful son and never received this kind of celebration. (Luke 15:29) The father truly rejoiced in the lost son who was restored. God our Father is the same way.
I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7
God forgives, He restores and He blesses when we confess our sin and our love for Him.
Lord, cleanse me today of my unworthiness. I love you and worship You as the Father who forgives.