Read the Bible in One Year: OT 2 Samuel 6-8, NT Luke 15:1-10
Luke 15:7 – I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Our loving God relentlessly seeks each lost soul.
Jesus addresses the religious leaders’ criticism of him associating with sinners and tax collectors. In response, he shares three parables: the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the prodigal son. Each parable emphasizes the joy in heaven when one sinner repents and returns to God.
The parable of the lost sheep highlights the relentless pursuit of a shepherd to find his one lost sheep out of the ninety-nine, illustrating God’s unwavering love and joyful pursuit of each individual, no matter how lost they may be. He actively seeks out those who have strayed from His path and rejoices when one of His lost children repents and turns back to Him. Ezekiel 34:11-12 points to our God who Himself seeks and rescues His sheep.
Jesus emphasizes that the joy in heaven over one repentant sinner is greater than that of ninety-nine righteous individuals who do not need to repent. This reveals God’s heart for reconciliation and redemption. When someone recognizes their sinful state, turns away from it, and returns to God, there is immense rejoicing in heaven.
What is our response to this loving, seeking Saviour?
- Gratitude and Worship: Our hearts should overflow with gratitude for God’s relentless love and pursuit of us, causing us to respond with heartfelt worship, acknowledging His greatness, goodness, and faithfulness in our lives (Psalm 95:1-2). Gratitude and worship are not just something we do on Sundays but a continual attitude of the heart.
- Repentance and Surrender: When we recognize God’s love for us, we become aware of our own shortcomings and sins. Our response should be genuine repentance, turning away from sin and surrendering our lives to God’s will (Acts 3:19)
- Love for Others: As recipients of God’s love, we are called to extend that same love to others. We should show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to those around us, just as God has shown to us (1 John 4:11)
- Obedience and Following His Word: Our response to God’s love should include a commitment to obey His commands and follow His Word. Obedience demonstrates our trust and faithfulness to Him (John 14:15)
- Prayer and Intimacy: Communication is vital in any relationship, and our relationship with God is no exception. We should respond to God’s pursuit of us by seeking regular times of prayer and intimacy with Him (Psalm 63:1)
- Serving and Sharing the Gospel: We respond to God’s love by actively serving others and sharing the Gospel with those who haven’t experienced His love yet. We become ambassadors of Christ, carrying His message of reconciliation to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20)
- Trust and Dependence: In response to God’s passionate pursuit of us, we should place our trust and dependence on Him in all areas of our lives. This means surrendering our anxieties, worries, and fears to Him, knowing that He cares for us (Psalm 55:22).
God in His Reckless Love, relentlessly seeks out each one of us. As we respond to His love, repenting of our sin, and turning to Him in practical and intentional ways, we draw closer to Him, experience His transformative grace, and become vessels of His love and compassion to a hurting world. May we actively seek out the lost, always rejoicing over each precious soul that returns to God.
Ponder
- Have you truly grasped the depth of God’s relentless love and pursuit for you? How does this understanding impact your view of yourself and your worth in God’s eyes?
- Why is repentance an essential aspect of the Christian faith? How does it demonstrate humility and a willingness to turn away from sin?
- In your interactions with others, do you display God’s love and compassion, especially to those who may feel marginalized or distant from God? How can you show genuine care and empathy, reaching out to them with the message of hope and reconciliation?
Scripture Writing: Ezekiel 34:11-12
For more daily devotions like this – At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)
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