adminDr Nick Ohizu
The voice of God
The prodigal son still serves as our case study as we look at the circumstances surrounding his return and the subsequent lessons that follow. The necessity of returning to God will be incomplete unless we embrace the benefits thereof.
The story line unveils four important gifts that the father gave the returning son as described in the following scripture: 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 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. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it and let us eat and be merry”. [Luke 15:17-23. NKJV]
The Robe: This represents the covering of our nakedness. Sin leaves us naked and exposed to satanic attacks. When satan attacks, he strips. Just as the enemy did to Joseph and Jesus, the modus operandi does not change. The decision of the father to order a robe for his returning son is a sign that God is still in the business of clothing his children. God’s robe represents his willingness to forgive and replenish whatever satan has stolen from us.
A lot of people who walked away from God may look good on the outside, but inside is significant emptiness that only God can fill. We should never be deceived by outward appearances. Using spiritual discernment to look within unveils the emptiness and spiritual nakedness of a person with no relationship with Jesus Christ. God is still in the business of clothing his children with the best, whether physically or spiritually.
The second significance of the robe is covering from further attacks of the enemy. As long as the son remained at home, his life was untouchable. Satan’s attack will not reach God’s children under the covering of the highest.
The Ring: This signifies the restoration of our identity. Satan may take things but never allow him to take your identity. Satan has a way of convincing backsliders that they no longer qualify to be God’s children.
This is evident in the conclusion and perception the prodigal son had of himself. He concluded that he no longer qualified to be a son but a servant. However, the good thing is that even servants in God’s house still have enough to eat.
No one serves God and begs for food unless one is going through a test. When the son returned and started talking like a slave, the father never responded but gave instructions to servants to put a ring on him. This serves as a reminder to the prodigal that no matter what you have done.
God’s house and hands are open to restore your identity. I do not believe in the gospel of exclusion. Christ died for all and all our sins. Do not let the enemy convince you that you are too bad to belong. The steadfast love of God never ceases, and His mercies never end.
The Sandals: This represents the preaching of the gospel. There is a tendency to forget to testify and share our experiences with others so that they can as well experience the blessings of God. Nowadays, people are reluctant to testify in church because they are afraid to be victimized or abused. The truth remains that we overcame him by the words of our testimonies [Revelations 12:11 NKJV]. When He has delivered you, go and tell others.
Do not withhold your testimonies; you have no idea who your story will help. It is our responsibility as God’s children to share the gospel with others and the best place to start is from how and what God has done for you. Do not relegate yourself to the group of people that believe that it is the pastor’s job only to evangelise. Every child of God is called to evangelise.
The Fattened Calf: This gift signifies prosperity. The kingdom recognises the importance of order. Order simply means the accurate arrangement of things. The gifts were given in a certain order signifying the process and procedures God uses to deal with us. Most prodigal sons return with a misconstrued perspective of immediate prosperity.
I believe things will be all right, but it might not happen as fast as we expect. God wants our repentance, restoration of our identity, we evangelise, then comes His blessings. The preachers of prosperity made easy have misled a lot of people over promising and under producing thereby creating a lot of spiritual casualties along the way.
God is going to bless us, but we need to commit to his promises and due season, and everything will be all right.
Dr Nick Ohizu is the Senior Pastor of The Empowerment Ministries and The President of the Empowerment School of Wealth both located in Graniteside Harare. He is a successful Entrepreneur with vast experience in leadership, mentorship, business and marriage consultancy with a mandate from God to change lives and bless people. He can be contacted on 0772304917.
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