The well known parable of the prodigal son pictures a wayward son who ran away from home. He rebelled against the restraints and authority of his father and against the boring routine of chores on the farm, against what he considered all work and no play. So he decided to have a fling at life in the big city. The teenager probably was experiencing the frustrations and growing pains of puberty, and was looking for some excitement. Anyway, he spent all his inheritance on worldly pursuits and ended up in a pigpen, with no money and no friends. As the story goes, he came to his senses, decided to take his chances with an angry father and a resentful brother, return in repentance and disgrace, and throw himself on the mercy of his father. Contrary to his expectations, the father welcomed him with open arms, ordered that a rich robe be placed over his rags, that the father's own signet ring be put on his finger, and that shoes be put on his muddy feet.
Jesus uses this story to exemplify the rebellious sinner who turns his back on God for the pleasures of the world; one who has enjoyed the fellowship of the family of God, who has tasted the good things of the Christian way, but has allowed the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the love of the world to lead him into rebellion and apostasy. If we carry this analogy further we might ask, 'what is the significance of the robe, the ring, and the shoes'? When a sinner returns to God and through repentance and submission is accepted back into God's family, Jesus puts around him His spotless robe of righteousness, and He sends him forth shod with the shoes of the gospel of peace.
So much for the robe and shoes, but what about the ring? In ancient days most people, including kings, were illiterate and were unable to write or even sign their names. Instead, they wore a special signet ring which displayed the royal seal. This seal was placed on every official document or publication in place of a signature. A blob of melted wax was placed on the document and the king would impress the signet of his ring into the soft wax, thereby making an indelible impression. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit down to earth to empower every member of God's family with all the authority of divinity. By the power of His Spirit God puts His official seal and signature of approval on His people as living letters for the finishing of the gospel commission.
We are the prodigal sons and daughters of the parable, and by nature we are rebellious and alienated from God, but the Father is waiting patiently for our return to Him, and He wants to bestow upon us the royal robe. the shoes of the gospel of salvation, and the power of the Holy Spirit, for He is the "Lord of the Ring."
