A parable with a twist

The prodigal had finally returned. After squandering his inheritance in a far-off land, he trudged back barefoot and broken, rehearsing a speech of repentance. “I am no longer worthy to be called your son…”

But before he could finish, his father ran to him, weeping. With arms wide open, he embraced his wayward son. He didn’t scold him. He didn’t shame him. He called for the best robe. He put shoes on his feet. And then — most significantly — he slipped a ring onto his finger.

A ring of sonship. A symbol of restored authority.

That moment should have been the beginning of a new life — a life lived in joy, power, and restored relationship.

But it wasn’t.

Though he stayed in the house, the son couldn’t look his father in the eyes. He avoided responsibilities. He acted more like a servant than a son. He flinched at kindness. Guilt whispered, “You don’t deserve this.” Shame echoed, “You’re a failure.”

The ring was still on his finger, but he never used the authority it represented.
One day, the father called him aside.

“My son, I gave you the ring because you belong to me. I don’t want a servant—I want you. I want you to work with me, not for me. You are not defined by your failure. You are defined by my love.”

That night, for the first time, the penny dropped. He truly understood. He opened his heart and received the grace his father had so freely offered.

The weight of shame lifted. Joy returned. And the next morning, the son stood tall — not with pride, but with the quiet confidence of a man who knew he was forgiven and restored.

He began to live not just as a son, but like a son — a better son than before. A changed man. He walked with honour, reflecting the heart of his father. He worked the father’s business like he owned it. 

The ring was no longer just a symbol on his finger.  

It was now a reality in his life.

Scriptural Anchors:
• Luke 15:22 – “But the father said… ‘Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.’”
• Romans 8:15 – “You received the Spirit of sonship. And by him 
we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
• Isaiah 61:7 – “Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion »