"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them. 3And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Luke 15:1-7
We throw parties for everything: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Super Bowls, quinceañeras, Sweet 16s and baby showers. We send out invitations, we make plans for the food and fun and then we celebrate.
I've always found the parable of the lost sheep fascinating. It goes from an accusation (Lk. 15:2) to a celebration (Lk. 15:5-7). Jesus was accused of the horrendous act (according to the Pharisees) of receiving sinners and eating with them. Jesus' response is direct and powerful: I came to rescue sinners. And not only does He rescue them, He rejoices in doing so. The parties thrown in heaven aren't for birthdays and anniversaries, it's for salvation.
Jesus came to rescue people- and heaven awaits another opportunity to rejoice. Will you go and rescue the lost today?
Day 6 of 40 prayer emphasis: God, send me out to find the lost. Help me to be the cause of rejoicing and celebration in heaven.
I've always found the parable of the lost sheep fascinating. It goes from an accusation (Lk. 15:2) to a celebration (Lk. 15:5-7). Jesus was accused of the horrendous act (according to the Pharisees) of receiving sinners and eating with them. Jesus' response is direct and powerful: I came to rescue sinners. And not only does He rescue them, He rejoices in doing so. The parties thrown in heaven aren't for birthdays and anniversaries, it's for salvation.
Jesus came to rescue people- and heaven awaits another opportunity to rejoice. Will you go and rescue the lost today?
Day 6 of 40 prayer emphasis: God, send me out to find the lost. Help me to be the cause of rejoicing and celebration in heaven.
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