Message from Scripture: 11/16/2020

 

Our message from Scripture today is Luke 15:7; “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

 

Here in this chapter in Luke, we find four examples of being lost. The sheep drifted off from the flock perhaps in search of greener grass or better pastures. The coin was misplaced and didn’t itself know the condition it was in. The younger son was lost from willful rebellion against his father. The older son was lost because of his pride and arrogant attitude about his brother and father. The problem with each was what it resulted in. Being lost, whether it was from drifting, or being absent, or rejection, or conceit, is not a place where anyone wants to be.

 

No matter how it happened, thankfully there was the Father. He was constant in His love, in His watching and waiting, and in His forgiveness. He didn’t exact revenge, but welcomed home the lost, and restored to full fellowship what had so foolishly been forfeited. The younger son heard, “This son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:24). The older son was told, “Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours” (Luke 15:31).

 

No matter how we get lost, if we repent and return, the Father is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Once forgiven, those sins are remembered no more (Heb. 8:12). Today, if there is anything keeping you from God, no matter what, God wants to forgive and will forget. What a wonderful God we serve. What a powerful forgiveness Christ offers in His blood. What redeeming truth we can know through the Spirit inspired word. Keep this close to you, and see the difference it makes. God bless.

 

Robert