Wednesday, September 30, 2009

September 30, 2009

"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. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." Luke 15:22-24
I have enjoyed camping out in Luke 15 for this entire month. Thanks for joining me in this journey. Hopefully God has touched your heart a time or two.
At a men's retreat where I spoke last week-end I summarized Luke 15 this way: The Lost, The Lord, and Lavish Love. It seems like that says it pretty well. Those three themes are definitely illustrated through the parables.
Over the past few days I have been focusing on the lavish love of the father that was showered on the wayward son.
Lavish love was expressed through the robe of righteousness and the ring of authority.
Thirdly, lavish love was expressed through a pair of sandals. Sandals are the symbol of sonship, acceptance and freedom. Slaves and servants didn't wear sandals, sons did. Coming back with hopes of being hired as a servant, his sonship was restored. Hoping not to be censored he was instead, celebrated!
Lavish love extravagantly given! That is the snapshot of our Father that Jesus showed to the religious leaders who challenged Him.
It sure has helped me to stare at that snapshot and meditate on it! I hope it has encouraged you as well.
As much of a blessing that is, I want to focus on one more aspect of lavish love - the feast!
The ultimate purpose of the robe, the ring and the sandals was to allow the son to attend the feast in his honor!
When you receive the lavish love of the Father, there is a party held in your honor! And some day, there will be a great feast in the honor of the Father's Son, and those with the robe, the ring and the sandals get to attend!
Are you ready for the feast?