Devotion:
Read Luke 15:3-7.
Let’s set the scene for the telling of this parable. Jesus is dining with tax collectors and “sinners” who have sought him out because they wanted to hear what Jesus had to say. But over in the corner of the room were the Pharisees who also were interested in what Jesus said and did, but for very different reasons. The Pharisees fancied themselves as righteous but were critical of everyone else in the room.
The story of the lost sheep embodies the reason that Jesus associated with sinners. He wanted to bring the “lost sheep” - people considered beyond hope - the gospel of God’s kingdom. Before you were a believer, God sought you; and his love is still seeking those who are yet lost. It is sometimes hard to grasp. We may understand a God who would forgive a person who comes to him for mercy. But a God who is tenderly searching for people and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that God has for YOU. God comes looking for people who are lost. As God’s people, we are to be on this same search.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on the extraordinary love that God lavishes on you. How will you share this love with someone today?
No comments:
Post a Comment