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.”
I’ve mentioned before that a dear friend once said, “Any time we draw a line between ‘us’ and ‘them,’ God is always on the other side.” And the Bible very clearly states that anger in your heart is just as big a sin as murder, and yet, I still read Luke 15:7 and immediately lump myself in with the 99 righteous. Except I’m pretty sure the 99 are all angels because, bless our hearts, those of us who slog around on earth are so fallible.
Luke 15:31 “‘Son, you are always with me…and all that is mine is yours.’”
Yet I don’t see Luke 15 as condemnation. I see it as hope. God knows my heart, my struggles. He knows my weaknesses. Yet He pursues me relentlessly and rejoices when my heart centers fully on Him. His gift of grace has no strings. He only needs me to open my hands, open my heart, and receive it.
Luke 15:32 “‘But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for calling me to this scripture, for loving me and pursuing me, even when I fail to see my own worth in You. Thank You for rejoicing when even one rests securely in Your grace. Help us never forget how much we need You. Draw us closer. Amen.
Luke 15:10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.