SpiritsWord Daily Devotional - The Ring of Sonship and Authority

Spiritsword Daily Devotional

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The Ring of Sonship and Authority

by Simon Whitton

21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Luke 15:21-22(NIV)

Three items were put on the prodigal son. I believe the best robe that the Father can give is the robe of His love, the ring is probably symbolic of sonship and authority, and the sandals could represent peace as they do in the Ephesians 6 description of the ‘armour of God’. Today, let's focus on the ring.

In the story of Ben Hur, it was the will of the Roman Quintus Arrius to adopt Judah Ben Hur as his son, and significantly, he gave Judah his ring with a seal. He bestowed upon Judah full sonship, authority, citizenship and inheritance rights. In a similar way, in accordance with our Heavenly Father’s pleasure and will, we have become His sons.

but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

Rom 8:15b-17a

Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance

Eph 1:13b-14a (NIV)

The passage in Ephesians says ‘Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal’. It is by faith that we receive the things of God. We cannot earn them and we shouldn’t try to feel like a worthy son. In fact, the prodigal son said he was not worthy to be called His son; but the Father’s response was, “Quick! Put a ring on his finger.” We received salvation through faith as the gift of God and at that time, the Father put a ring on our finger.

In ancient times, rings often had wax seals that represented the authority of the owner. The owner would give the ring to a son or trusted official, so they could speak and write in his name and therefore with his full authority.

So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”
Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger.

Gen 41:41-42a (NIV)

Perhaps one of the best examples of this practice is in the following scripture:

Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.”

Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.

Esth 8:8,10 (NIV)

We have been chosen as sons (and daughters) of God. He has given you a great privilege. He has placed His signet ring on your finger. A ring which identifies you with Him and as an heir with Christ, and gives you full rights as a true son and the authority of the Lord Almighty that is recognized throughout the universe and the spiritual realm. You should use this authority according to His will, as you speak, pray or enter into spiritual warfare, to extend His kingdom.

Spend some time in prayer and thank Him that He has made you His son or daughter. Pray that you would fully grasp the blessing and the authority that has been bestowed upon you; and that you would use it in the King’s name, to such effect that you’ll know that your prayers cannot be revoked, and angels will be dispatched, shattering the power of the enemy.

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