April 15, 2019

April 15

Running with Jesus

Luke 15 :3-4,7 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,  What 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?  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

     Jesus is responding to the thoughts and conversations of the Pharisee's. (They didn't know He knew all thoughts! Don't judge, we act the same way!)  He tells them a parable about a man who had 100 sheep and one got lost and when He found him, came home, and all rejoiced with him over finding the sheep! He then says heaven is a happy place for one sinner who is changed than 99 who don't need to change. 

     We get all excited when people join our church who are already saved and a lot of the time we get skeptical about those we consider "bad "sinners who get born again and start coming. We should be reaching out to sinners and bringing them in. And rejoice with them. 

     We must watch developing the attitudes of a Pharisee. In God's eyes sin is sin. The problem with the Pharisees was not Jesus teaching the sinners but Jesus was eating with sinners. Jesus was looking for the lost to bring salvation to them.  

      God tells us to go out into the highway and hedges and compel them to come in. 

Father, as we go out today help us find that lost one who needs to know You. Make us aware of that person and give us boldness to share.

Tomorrow: The lost coin!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015