KISSES OF MERCY
Luke 15:22 ¶ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
One of the best loved stories in the Bible is the story of the prodigal son. In this story we see the genius of the Lord’s teaching. Veiled behind the words of the parable is the clear teaching of God’s love for the blatant sinner as well as His love for the pious Pharisee. In this shocking story, the Father is shameless in His love for His wayward son. Not only did he accept him back into the family, He ran to meet him and welcomed him with kisses. This is a powerful description of our Heavenly Father’s love and mercy that He lavishes on the wayward who return home. He is waiting and watching for the prodigal’s return and is quick to run out to not only greet the prodigal but also shower His gifts of mercy upon His returning son. Matthew Henry wrote powerfully about this story. I am including an excerpt, it would be good for you to look up and read Henry’s whole account of this parable.
“He came home in rags, and his father not only clothed him, but adorned him. He said to the servants, who all attended their master, upon notice that his son was come, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him. The worst old clothes in the house might have served, and these had been good enough for him; but the father calls not for a coat, but for a robe, the garment of princes and great men, the best robe. There is a double emphasis: “that robe, that principal robe, you know which I mean; the first robe; the robe he wore before he ran his ramble. When backsliders repent and do their first works, they shall be received and dressed in their first robes. “Bring hither that robe, and put it on him; he will be ashamed to wear it, and think that it ill becomes him who comes home in such a dirty pickle, but put it on him, and do not merely offer it to him: and put a ring on his hand, a signet-ring, with the arms of the family, in token of his being owned as a branch of the family.” Rich people wore rings, and his father hereby signified that though he had spent one portion, yet, upon his repentance, he intended him another. He came home barefoot, his feet perhaps sore with travel, and therefore, “Put shoes on his feet, to make him easy.”
Do you remember the day you returned to your Father’s house? He was waiting for you just like He has for all the rest. Instead of the expected lecture, you were welcomed with His embrace and His kisses of mercy. What an awesome God? I am sure the Pharisees were not quite sure of what to think about this story. All I can say, no one every spake like this man.
5 thoughts on “KISSES OF MERCY”
Amen!
Good morning, Pastor Frank, one of my favorite stories from the word.
Open arms, as I ran back to Him. He comforts me, holds me, tells me everything is going to be alright.
The amazing coat He puts on us when we return to Him, aw. Filled with love, joy, happiness, goodness, Grace, mercy and a lot more, ha.
What a Father To welcome me back in His arms with kisses of MERCY.
I will wear my Father’s robe all the way home, love you, Pastor, have an awesome day ii n the LORD.:)
My new coat also makes me Obedient to my Father. Reminds me what to do and not to do.
Thank You, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit.
Jesus'”Kisses Of Mercy,” Draws Us Out From Under A Load Of Care, Shame And Sorrow. Oh Yes, He Chastens Us For Our Very Own Good. Yet through The Precious Blood Shed By Jesus, There Is Now No Condemnation. Thank You Lord, Amen.
I had to come back and throw these two scriptures in,
1 JOHN 4:10, says, This is love: not that we loved God, but He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
PSALM 100:5, says, For the LORD is GOOD and His love endures forever; His Faithfulness continues through all generations .
A God we can count on, Hallelujah.