ICS Daily Devotions
All that I Have Is
Luke 15:29-31 (NKJV) So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
The parable of the prodigal son shows us how God’s children are treated in the family. The blood of Jesus has established an everlasting covenant between God and us, and whenever we partake of the Holy Communion, we are made to remember the blood covenant and that as His children, we have certain rights, privileges, and abilities.
The status of sonship will never change. The Father’s heart is always gracious and open towards His children because His love for them will never change regardless of their behaviour. In the parable, the father restored to the prodigal son by giving him a change of robes and the signet ring. Likewise, we have been restored to God’s family with the robe of righteousness imputed to us by God, and we have the breastplate of righteousness that protects us against the devil’s accusation and condemnation.
The signet ring gives the son power and authority to access everything that belongs to him as a son and allows him to use it to purchase goods or seal agreements under the family’s name. It is an entitlement and privilege given to the children of the family, whereas slaves and servants would not have the ring or the robes. Instead of the ring, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Therefore, we are sons and daughters who are entitled to all that belongs to the Heavenly Father.
Meanwhile, the elder son identified himself more in his doing than being a son, and tried to earn his father’s love and approval through good works and behaviour. Although children of God should walk in the light, how we do doesn’t change our status because we are saved by grace. The grace of God was revealed when the younger son rebelled against the father. Nonetheless, the elder son complained to the father for not providing or allowing him to throw a party with his friends. He felt rejected and was insecure of the father’s love, because he saw his father as mean and a killjoy. What is your perception of God? Do you also see Him more like a judge than a loving Father?
The father assumed the elder son would know that he is entitled to everything that belongs to him, and that he didn’t need to ask for permission to kill a calf to celebrate with his friends. Likewise, every child of God should know that our Heavenly Father will supply all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Sermon Series: Sonship
