The Bible says concerning the Prodigal Son: ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.’ (Luke 15:20 ESV) The truth is, you’re not beyond the reach of God’s grace, so your future can be greater than your past! When he was ‘a great way off’, his father ran to him.

His relationship with his son wasn’t based on performance, but because he’d given him life and brought him into the family. Think about the significance of the things the Prodigal received that day:

(1) The robe. That confirmed his identity as a son. God doesn’t see you in your weakness; He sees you clothed in the righteousness of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:18–21).

(2) The ring. This was a signet ring with the family seal that gave him back authority to do business in his father’s name.

(3) The shoes. Household servants didn’t wear shoes, only family members did. He returned home thinking the best he could hope for was a job in the servants’ quarters. But his father not only restored his identity and authority, he restored him to full son-ship in the family.

(4) The party. Back then when you rebelled against your father’s authority and left home, they conducted ‘a ceremony of shame’, which meant you could never return. Not this father—he threw a party! The point? Because Jesus took our shame! ‘For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT) The word for you today is—come back to God!