Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Luke-The Prodigals Father

Luke 15:20  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  

In this parable, the prodigal son has repented and comes back to his kind and generous father; no longer feeling worthy to be his son, but as a servant. This was no father of the world who wished to punish a foolish son. This was as our Father in heaven who seeks to bless us, if we will come to him with a repentant heart.   The Father was looking for him from a great distance.  

Psa 113:5  Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
Psa 113:6  Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
Psa 113:7  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Psa 113:8  That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

Luke 15:21  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  

He speaks the truth from a humble repenting heart. An earthly father might agree with him, but this was a Father who was long suffering and merciful.  

2 Pet 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Luke 15:22  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  

The robe of righteousness, the covering given through faith in Jesus.  

Isa 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.  

A ring on his hand, the symbol of authority, the seal of a king is on the ring. The believer receives the seal of God, the Holy Spirit. This is identifying him with the Father, through faith in Jesus Christ.  

2 Tim 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2 Cor 1:21  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2 Cor 1:22  Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
 

Luke 15:23  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
Luke 15:24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
 

Again a great celebration and a joyous feast for one who was lost in the world, but who has repented, never again to leave the Father's loving presence.  

John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

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