day twenty six: presents for a prodigal

Jayme Thompson

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:22-24)

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

It’s the ring that gets me every time.

Familiarity can breed contempt or at least cause us to take some amazing things for granted. I’ve both read and lived the prodigal story so many times that it feels like breathing. We fall down, we get up; we fall down, we get up.

For the Christian, it’s a given. I do believe that each time I come dragging in from the pig pen, I’ll be received. I do believe the Father will come out to meet me. I believe there’ll be a robe (to make me presentable) and a fattened calf (because the Father is happy), but I deeply dread the serious talk I know I have coming. See, I can’t enjoy the party or the meal or the hugging and kissing because I’m cringing all the while. I just know God’s going to sit me in a corner and give me a good stern talking to, then outline a plan whereby through exemplary spiritual behavior and good manners in general I can work my way back into his good graces.

Here’s the thing though: He doesn’t have “graces” that can be categorized as just-barely-big-enough, average, and very good. He is grace itself. He is the landowner in Luke 20 who is equally generous with the deserving and the undeserving.

Really.

I often write off the sandals and the robe – they seem necessary. I try to explain the feast away – it’s God’s celebration for His own joy. The ring, however, gives my cynicism pause. It changes my mind and changes my heart. It changes who I think I am. It can be nothing but an extravagance. It’s just so very, very generous. It tells me that I’m not dreaming; I really am home.Have you looked down at your hand lately?

If you find a ring – sing Hallelujah. If your hand is bare – run home.