Luke 15:1-3 “Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them. So He spoke this parable to them……..”
(Jesus went on to talk about a man who had lost one of his 100 sheep. He went and searched for that one sheep until it was found. Then the shepherd was very happy and rejoiced. Then of a woman who had she lost her coin in her house, and she also searched until it was found, and with joy called her neighbours to rejoice with her. Then the story of when there was also much joy in a fathers heart when, the son who had squandered his inheritance in a far country, returned home in rags and contrition.)
Dear God,
Thank You for Your love and provision for me and all the people around me. Thank You for my life and for keeping me safe to embark upon this new day, able to walk through this time given to me with the ability to enjoy Your gifts and provision.
You love all people. But it is those of humble, searching hearts who see their own lack of righteousness and need of You that can be forgiven of every sin and brought to Yourself. Thank You for first placing this desire into my heart. Your love and generosity know no bounds, for then You lead me to places of joy ; whilst the righteousness of Jesus covers my unworthiness. No bottle could contain the joy and righteousness You give, but we mere mortals can rejoice in them, with filled hearts and minds, and to those not so blessed we can say ‘taste and see for the Lord is good.’
Jesus tells of the joy of the shepherd, when he found his one lost sheep, out of his original 100, who then called his friends, Luke 15:6…..”rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” Unlike the Pharisees who condemned all sinners, Jesus knew it was absolutely worthwhile to bring sinners to repentance, Luke 15:7 “I say to you that likewise there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need not repentance.” And in verse 10, “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
God forgive me, if I am casual about sin, my own, as well as for not being more active in seeking to bring to You anyone else that I am in contact with, who is burdened and in need or forgiveness and peace.
Please alert me to my often preoccupied mind that cannot truly rejoice when another person renounces their sinful life and practices and with repentance give their life to You. In the light of the fact that all heaven rejoices with these people, who am I as Your child, not do so? This will only be my action/reaction if at the time; I am not abiding in You, through premeditated/unforgiven sin or me being preoccupied!
Praise Your Holy name, for You bring all our spiritual needs, to our attentions, little by little, and then provide Your power to overcome, and grow and progress by Your grace.
Happily in the words of scripture we find hope for every one of us, no matter our past and besetment’s.
Amen