Daily Nuggets of Grace Part 1 Free!Uzorak

Fully Restored

The young son in Luke 15 requested his inheritance, showing he wouldn’t mind if his father died. He moved away, cutting off any connection with his father. Then, he squandered all the father had given him—harmful, hurtful, shameful, foolish behavior.

When the son’s time of false living eventually resulted in exhaustion, pain, and despair, he decided to return home as a servant to work for his father.

The boy was still far off when his father noticed him walking on the road. His son! The dad was filled with compassion and ran to meet the boy. Wealthy men never ran. It was undignified in his day, but the love for his son was more important than his reputation. He warmly hugged his son and kissed him. What a welcome the son received!

Then, the father told servants to bring the best robe, a ring, and sandals. The robe symbolized that the father would still provide for his son as a family member.

The signet ring gave the son authority to conduct his father's business. That's right. The son who squandered all his early inheritance was given the right to carry on with the father's financial affairs.

As for the shoes - in their culture, only male family members were allowed shoes in the home. Receiving the sandals was an explicit declaration that the father completely restored him to the family.

With the son’s proper attire in place, a celebration was swiftly planned. The fattened calf was prepared for a grand feast.

The father forgave the son, and he fully restored him.

When you came to know Jesus personally, you were forgiven of your sins by His sacrifice on the cross, but even more was done for you. Like the son in the story, the Father fully restored you as a member of His family. You have been given rights and authority as the Heavenly Father's child. You are 100% accepted. God the Father loves you with kind affection. He gives you spiritual authority to carry on His business.

If you know Jesus as your Savior, you have been forgiven of all your sins. But more than that, you have been fully restored to right standing with God!

Reflect and Respond

Understanding the meaning of the robe, the ring, and the sandals in the story – which is most meaningful to you personally? Why?

How will recognizing the fullness of your right standing with God the Father affect how you think and live day to day?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I believe You sacrificially died on the cross for my sins. I believe You rose to life so I could live an abundant life in right standing with Father God. I joyfully receive my position and authority as a child of God. In Jesus’ name, amen.