Pastor Stephen Dedman

But the father said to his servants, “Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬

Luke 15:22 is part of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a powerful story Jesus told about a son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and returned home in shame, expecting only to be treated as a servant. But instead of rejection, he was met with extravagant love and forgiveness. The father’s response—running to meet his son, embracing him, and then ordering the servants to dress him in the best robe, a ring, and sandals—speaks volumes about the heart of God.

Why the robe first?

The first thing the father did was place a robe on his son, a significant and symbolic act. The robe represents restoration, honor, and acceptance. In biblical times, a robe often signified one’s position or status in a family or community. By giving his son the “best” robe, the father was saying, “You are not a servant; you are my beloved son. You are restored to your place in the family.”

The son came home in tattered clothes, likely covered in dirt, and smelling like pigs. He was ashamed and unworthy, but the father didn’t even give him time to explain or beg. Instead, he clothed him in a robe of dignity and honor, a symbol of the father’s grace. The robe covered the filth of the son’s past and reminded him of his true identity—not as a failure, but as a son.

This act is a picture of how God welcomes us when we return to Him. No matter how far we’ve strayed or how broken we feel, God’s love is ready to cover us, restoring us to our rightful place as His children. Just as the father didn’t hesitate to clothe his son in the finest robe, God covers our shame with His grace, restoring us with His love and righteousness.

The father’s decision to place the robe on his son first signifies complete restoration. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, God’s first response when we return to Him is not condemnation, but grace. He covers us with His love, restores our identity, and calls us His children. Today, let us embrace the truth that we are not defined by our past, but by God’s extravagant love and the new identity He gives us as His beloved sons and daughters.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your incredible love and grace. Like the prodigal son, I often feel unworthy of Your forgiveness, but I am reminded that You cover me with Your robe of righteousness. Help me to see myself as You see me—a beloved child, fully restored by Your grace. I trust in Your power to renew and restore me. Thank You for Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
I Peter 1:13

Peter urges believers to prepare their minds for action and to be sober-minded in their approach to life. He encourages them to set their hope fully on the grace that will be revealed when Jesus Christ returns. This verse comes in the context of Peter’s letter to Christians facing persecution and trials. He reminds them of the sure hope they have in Christ’s return and the future inheritance awaiting them in heaven.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live with a sense of anticipation and readiness for His return. This means actively engaging our minds in the pursuit of holiness and setting our hope firmly on the grace that will be revealed to us at the coming of Jesus Christ.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate hope. However, Peter’s exhortation reminds us to intentionally focus our minds on the truth of God’s promises and the assurance of our salvation. By girding up the loins of our minds and being sober-minded, we can resist the schemes of the enemy and remain steadfast in our faith.

Setting our hope fully on the grace of Christ also means living with confidence in His provision and victory over sin and death. It means trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His promises and believing that our future is secure in Him. This hope empowers us to persevere through trials and challenges, knowing that our suffering is temporary and that a glorious inheritance awaits us in eternity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the hope I have in You. Help me to gird up the loins of my mind and be sober-minded in my approach to life. Strengthen my faith and increase my anticipation of Your return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #10 – Have you been transformed?

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

Romans 12:2 comes in the middle of Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome. After spending the earlier chapters explaining the gospel and God’s incredible mercy toward humanity, Paul begins chapter 12 with a call to respond to that mercy. He urges Christians to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, and in verse 2, he commands believers not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

The world has its own patterns—ways of thinking, living, and pursuing happiness. These patterns often lead to selfishness, materialism, and an identity that’s based on performance or appearance. But as followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. Instead of conforming to the ways of the world, we are invited to experience transformation. This transformation begins in the mind and results in a life that reflects God’s will—His good, pleasing, and perfect plan for us.

The question “Have you been transformed?” challenges us to evaluate where we are in our spiritual journey. Transformation isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process that takes place as we continually allow God’s truth to renew our minds and change our perspectives.

True transformation begins with the mind. Our thoughts shape our attitudes, behaviors, and ultimately, our lives. To be transformed, we need to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing His truth to reshape the way we see ourselves, the world, and His plans for us. As we meditate on Scripture and align our thinking with God’s truth, our lives begin to reflect the image of Christ.

When we allow God to transform our minds, we begin to live in a way that reflects His will. We can test and approve what is good, pleasing, and perfect in His eyes. This means that our decisions, actions, and priorities align more and more with God’s heart. We are no longer driven by the world’s standards, but by a desire to honor God in all we do.

As we immerse ourselves in His Word and surrender our lives to Him, we are transformed into the image of Christ, and we begin to live out the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. So, ask yourself today: Have I been transformed, and am I continuing to be renewed in Him?

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to a life of transformation through the renewing of my mind. I confess that there are areas where I’ve conformed to the patterns of this world, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to daily surrender my thoughts, desires, and actions to You. Renew my mind through Your Word, and guide me to live in alignment with Your perfect will. I want to experience the fullness of the life You have for me, reflecting Your love and truth to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.