Luke 15:1-10
Reflect
Joy, pure joy. One of the themes we notice in Luke’s writing is that there will be joy for those who share in Jesus’ heart for the lost.
When we look at the Shepherd’s actions, we see God’s saving initiative (v4) as the shepherd who goes after the lost sheep until he finds it. If the man were to have 100 sheep, the shepherd might be noticeably wealthy or educated; one would only think that the shepherd would hire servants to wander in the wilderness to find the lost sheep. But this Shepherd humbles himself to take responsibility to search the countryside for the lost sheep. This is a remarkable display of God’s saving initiative!
When the sheep is brought home, we catch a glimpse of the immense celebration (with neighbours, and friends) over the lost sheep. It’s this joy that is shared with each person that joins the quest of Jesus to save the lost.
At times, we may become critics and cynics, like the Pharisees and scribe (v2), when we think that there are people beyond the grace of God and redemption; but this a remarkable example that challenges that attitude.
Apply
Share with God in prayer that you’d like to share in His joy for the lost.
Pray that you’d get an opportunity to share with someone who doesn’t know Christ.
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.