Mount Clinton Mennonite Church

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(June 29, 2003)

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When God Puts His Robe on Us

His father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him....for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began. --Luke 15: 22,24 (NLT)
Context: Luke 15: 11-24 (NLT)

In Western cultures, clothing may not have as much symbolism as it does in some other cultures, and yet we do understand some of its importance when we talk about "dressing for success" and spend time agonizing over what to wear on a particular occasion.

So what was Jesus communicating when he mentioned in his story of the "lost son" (or "prodigal son") that the father put his robe on his long lost son who had returned home?

  • We can repent. By placing his robe on his son, the father acknowledged that his son was sorry for his past life and wanted to begin anew.
  • God will forgive us. The father's putting his robe around his son's shoulders was not an act showing that his son was perfect, but an action symbolizing that the father was accepting his son's request for forgiveness.
  • God will accept us. The son was once again accepted by the father as a rightful member of the family. The son knew that his father forgave him even though the son did not deserve it.
  • God wants us and the world to know that we are his children. The robe was a visual symbol for all to see.

Let's celebrate God's acceptance. Let the party begin!

Prayer: Our Father, we come to you knowing our sins and seeking your forgiveness and acceptance as your children. We humbly acknowledge your robe upon us. How can we ever thank you! Amen.

Richard Bowman

Pastor: Lee Martin (email: mcmchurch@juno.com )
Editor: Richard Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu )
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Maintained by Richard L. Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu. Last modified: 1-Jul-03.
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