Like the Prodigal Son

The prodigal son, down in a far country. Away from his father's house, toiling away in the pig pen. His friends were all gone, and there was no one to help him. Hungry and destitute he begins to think of his father. His father's servants fared very well compared to him. He decides to return home and confess his sin to his father. To ask to be as one of his father's hired servants. Before he even gets to the house, his father runs out to meet him, kisses him, welcomes him home. He confesses his sin to his father, but doesn't even get to ask his father if he can be a servant. His father is so glad to have his son home he has the servants bring a robe and a ring and shoes for his son, to bring forth the fatted calf and rejoice.

As a lost person, I was out in the world. I realized my sinful state, and that no one could help me. My friends were helpless. I knew of the love of my Heavenly Father. I had heard about it all of my life. I knew that He loved me so very much He sent Christ to die in my place (just as the prepared fatted calf was slain for the prodigal). I knew I was a sinner, I'd been feasting on the pig slop of the world, and it did not satisfy me. I went to the Lord, knowing I was not even worthy to be called His child. He met me at the foot of the cross. I repented, and He claimed me as His own. He put a robe of righteousness on me (I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10). He put a ring on my hand (sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption...also that every work from that day forward should be done in the energy of the Holy Spirit). He gave me shoes so that my feet were shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace that I may go and tell of God's great salvation.

In Luke 15:24 it says they began to be merry. There was rejoicing in my heart and in Heaven on the day i was saved. It was only the beginning. The rejoicing will never end. Hallelujah!