The blessings of Sonship
Luke 15:22-23
1. The Robe - The Father's Testimony
A. Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
He had rags, God have him a robe!
Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
He had no testimony, but God gave Him His testimony. He covered the boy with His love.
2. The Ring - The Father's Title
A. 1st John 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
The signet ring had the family name upon it. You now have the family bloodline.
It carried the family authority. Do you understand what this is saying?
He traded his want for the Father's wealth.
3. The Shoes - The Father's Tenderness
A. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Instead of stripes, the Father gave him shoes for his sore, bleeding feet.
Only slaves were barefooted. God knows where you are hurting and He cares! There is a Balm in Gilead!
4. The Calf - The Father's Table
A. Psalms 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
A table is a place where God can display His provision.
A table is a place where we can partake of the bounty of the fruitfulness of God.
A table is a place where we can enjoy the fellowship of our brethren.
B. 1st Corinthians 10:21 “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.”