One of the most amazing things about God is His unending grace. It sounds cliche, but not only does he shower us with mercy (not getting what one deserves) He also follows it up with a sound helping of grace (getting a gift - unearned.)
The title of this post comes from the story of the prodigal son who, upon returning to his father's house, received not a stern rebuke or demotion to servanthood, but a robe on his back and a ring on his finger. Both items were signs of welcome and inclusion back into the family. The ring, especially, denoted authority likely being a family signet ring. Despite his mistakes and wanderings, the son was welcomed back into the family and given the authority to act in its name.
The best part of the story is that it is a parable of our relationship to God. The Father welcomes us back from our wanderings and wants to give us honor and authority as one of His sons, representative of His glory. As one welcomed back, however, it is too easy for us to hang our robes in the closet and put the ring in our pocket. We take them out periodically, admire them and think about how nice they are, but we don't wear them as a matter of routine. The problem with this is that the robe and ring were meant to be worn.
God has given us a robe like Joseph's, His glory should adorn us and we should put that garment on every day. Isaiah 61 is full of references to our clothing: a garment of praise, garments of salvation and a a robe of righteousness. There are constant allusions to the Father putting radiant clothes on His children which reflect His glory, His majesty and His love for us. He desires us to be arrayed in beauty, for He is a beautiful God. It is up to us to not only accept the gift, but to wear it, show it off to say to people, "Look! This is my God, my Father who clothes me as a prince, though I be only a pauper. He has a robe for you, too."
Adorning us in splendor, however, is not the end. He also puts a ring on our finger and gives us the power and authority of sons. Timothy tells us we have "a spirit of power, love and self-discipline." Jesus told His disciples that "whatever you bind on earth will be bound and what you loose will be loosed." This is authority granted to them (and us) by the only one who may grant it. Peter tells us (1 Peter 4:11) that "[i]f anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." exhorting us to claim our authority, Peter is saying that we must speak carefully, but definitively.
As I pursue this thing called faith, I am confronted with the fact that God wants me to be His representative and ambassador on this earth. He has given me the tools I need (grace, mercy, love, authority, glory...) but it is up to me to use them. He expects me to wear my robe and ring and use what they represent - wisely and with humility, yes, but use them. It is an extreme act of faith, but my prayer is that I would put on my robe and ring and never take them off.
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