Luke 15:1-7
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’
So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
Reflection
What a privilege to offer this two-week series of Daily Devotions. I hope they have encouraged you in some small way. Beginning with my own personal testimony, today we end in a similar place. Perhaps you have also been calling to mind your own journey of faith and today I encourage you to think about the people you know around you.
It’s been a great joy through the years to lead some people in the first steps of following Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, it has not been as great a number as I would have hoped but they have nevertheless been special moments.
Paul, a youngish man who I got to know early in my ministry, shared a love for similar bands and sense of humour. Sue, his wife, was a church member and after a while one day, out of the blue, Paul came to me wanting to talk about becoming a Christian. I am so grateful to have been able to accompany his steps and desire to be discipled. We kept in touch for decades as he continued in his faith until sadly, he died as a believer a few years ago. I think about Paul and the handful of similar experiences; it feels to me a bit like a glimpse into, and an investment in eternity.
If I am honest, there have been many times when I have been more concerned about sheep in sight than those who God is seeking. I need to be reminded that lost people matter to God, and that even the church at times seems as lost as the world.
Who are the people on your heart? Don’t give up on them, pray for them, make appropriate invitations, and know that it is the Holy Spirit’s job, not yours, to convict. Finally let’s stop doing guilt which we sometimes do so well, but celebrate with heaven, newfound faith!
Prayer
Searching and seeking God, I thank you that you have found me and many like and unlike me. I remember those people on my heart today (Pause) Knowing that you are a God who knows risk and sacrifice in the way your love and grace extends, I pray that in the same manner I may share with others about you. To you be the glory!
Amen