Father's Robe

“His father said …. Bring out the finest robe and put it on him….”

(Luke 15: 22 – NLT)

“You are dressed in a robe of light….”

(Psalm 104:2 - NLT)

The best robe in father’s wardrobe was his own. It represented his position, his majesty, his glory, and his renown. And the best robe is, without any pomp or ceremony, retrieved from father’s wardrobe and placed on a man who was, moments before, a rebel, in a state of separation, perhaps even despair and stranger to his father’s house. But now he is placed in a far greater position than he could ever have imagined. The rebel is now dressed in Father’s best robe.

The old hymn writer William Mote put it beautifully –

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne!

Our Father’s robe is also a robe of light (Psalm 104:2). The restored child may be brought, in an instant, from the kingdom darkness in to the kingdom of light. And, as the Father is Light – so also is the restored child (see - 1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Our Father’s robe is also a robe of majesty (Psalm 93:1), and a robe of honour (Psalm 104:1). All of these are gifted to the restored child. No wonder the prophet Isaiah was overwhelmed with joy as he sang – “He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10 – NLT). This is the reality of sonship restored.