Five Principles about the Father’s House from Luke 15-
1. Forgiveness- Sandals placed on his feet were symbolic of freedom
as a son of the Master. Slaves were
forced to live without shoes. In Christ,
we are `no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of God’
2. Restoration- Ring on his finger symbolizes royalty. He was saying, `listen you don’t have to
enter the family at some lesser rank, but your position is restored to you as
heir in my Kingdom. Too many Christians
have relegated themselves to work in the back forty somewhere, while the King
says come and eat at my table, you are my child! Don’t let the past be a whipping post! “There is therefore no condemnation to those
who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
3. Worship- `Let’s celebrate with a feast’. The angels of Heaven
rejoice when one lost sheep comes back to the fold. “We had to celebrate, for
your brother who was dead is alive..He was lost but is now found”. You and I have reason to worship—Look at the
cross, look at his restoration power in our lives! Like Mephibosheth, we have been carried to
the table in spite of our crippled condition!
4.
Relationship- The love of the Father
placed the son back into right relationship with Himself. He didn't demand penance, proof or an
apology. The father also worked
patiently with the elder brother to restore relationship with the younger son,
further proving our need to love and restore those who have fallen.
Gal
6:1-3 MESSAGE “Live creatively
friends. If someone falls into sin,
forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing them before the day is
out. Stoop down and reach out to those
who are oppressed. Share their burdens,
and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that,
you are badly deceived.”
5.
Righteousness- Robe symbolizes
right-standing or right-wisdom. 2 Cor. 5:21 Saints in Heaven clothed in
white robes. Jacob made a coat of many colors for the son he favored, Joseph.