The Best Things In Life | Wednesday Copy
Wednesday | June 17
Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"
Luke 15: 7 NLT
Luke 15: 7 NLT
Precious Repentance
Continuing our journey of understanding the importance of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, we come to this teaching of celebration. Jesus' words come from the full passage, Luke 15:1-7 NLT but ultimately hinge on the final part of this verse. The joy and honor that is lifted up over just one who has repented and turned to God is truly great and worthy of celebration.
The response and acknowledgment depicted here is not a polite golf clap or a briefly uttered, "Well done." It is meant to be understood as a rapturous celebration. In fact, some may say it would be best understood as a raucous or rowdy crowd. Jesus wants to convey that this is the kind of reaction we should have when someone makes this decision.
Sometimes we can adopt a stoic, emotionless posture because we fear looking foolish. This is especially true when it comes to celebrating before God. In 2 Samuel 6, we read about how God chose David as King over Israel, and David responds by dancing and celebrating before the Lord. When he is chastised for his reaction, David responds that he is willing to be even more foolish-looking and be humiliated in the eyes of man if it means God is honored and celebrated.
So friends, ask yourself, are you willing to be "foolish in the eyes of man" for the sake of what matters most to the heart of God?
The response and acknowledgment depicted here is not a polite golf clap or a briefly uttered, "Well done." It is meant to be understood as a rapturous celebration. In fact, some may say it would be best understood as a raucous or rowdy crowd. Jesus wants to convey that this is the kind of reaction we should have when someone makes this decision.
Sometimes we can adopt a stoic, emotionless posture because we fear looking foolish. This is especially true when it comes to celebrating before God. In 2 Samuel 6, we read about how God chose David as King over Israel, and David responds by dancing and celebrating before the Lord. When he is chastised for his reaction, David responds that he is willing to be even more foolish-looking and be humiliated in the eyes of man if it means God is honored and celebrated.
So friends, ask yourself, are you willing to be "foolish in the eyes of man" for the sake of what matters most to the heart of God?
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- Where have I been under-valuing the repentance of others? Has that led to a lack of joy for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
- Who might God be leading me to have a conversation with about Jesus repentance?
- What would change if I celebrated like Jesus describes?
Journaling Prompts
This Is A Safe Place To Be Honest With God
- How is God calling you to look for the "lost sheep" in your everyday life—at work, in your neighborhood, or with your family?
- Ask God to reveal any barriers that keep you from reaching out to those who are spiritually lost.
- Describe what it would look like to rejoice as heaven rejoices over individual repentance.
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."
Colossians 4: 5 NLT
Colossians 4: 5 NLT
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, open my heart to those far from you. Help me to be unafraid to dance, sing, and rejoice over those who turn to you. Guide me to those you would have me share your Gospel with. Amen.
Come Back Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow as we lean into what Jesus meant by having 'other sheep' but all 'one flock'.