Canaan Fellowship

Dr. Bill Teubl - Prodigal Son, Luke 15:20-24; 29-30:

When we look at this passage of scripture, one of the things we should discuss is being merry or celebrating. What did it mean for the prodigal to have fellowship with the father and the family?
V20 – this would be the point of time that the reconciliation starts. We can be in the fathers house, do his bidding, but miss the love of the father.

The father says three things to the servants:
1) Get a robe
2) Get shoes
3) Get a ring

The house cannot have fellowship with the son until the son has these things, because of their significance.

The robe - The robe signifies righteousness (Eph 4). The father signified that the son stood in righteousness before him.
V29-30 – the older son did not see the prodigal son in righteousness, but the father did. In our lives, we need to arrive at the point where we can do not condemn those who fail.
Zachariah 3:1 – The angel (a holy being) does not condemn Joshua for his dirty clothes, but changes them—giving him new clothes. Zachariah understands this and enters into the spirit of change and acceptance.

The ring - A symbol of unity. When the father gives him the ring, he is welcoming the son into the family. The father identified himself wish the son. We must welcome and identify with others who might be difficult.

The shoes – associated with peace (Ephesians 6, shoes of the gospel of peace). This signifies the peace in which the father pledges to live with the son.

Wherever we are, whatever measure of grace, we should ask the Lord for fellowship that is right for us. When peace and fellowship reign, we should have a party—celebrate the love of God.