Devotional For October 4, 2024
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.