This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.
Scripture reference: Luke 8:16 (ESV)
Today, I am thinking about how important it is for God to go after the lost.
I was recently reading in Luke about the time Jesus used several examples to illustrate the emphasis God places on His lost souls. Jesus was delivering this message in the presence of tax collectors, notorious sinners, and, as the Scriptures say, the Pharisees, who saw themselves as superior to these sinners. Nevertheless, Jesus preached a compelling message to them all.
Christ began with the example of the lost sheep. He said that although a shepherd may have 100 sheep, if one goes astray, even if the other 99 are safe, he will go out in the middle of the night to find that last sheep. Then, when he finds this sheep, he will call all of his friends to rejoice.
Jesus then used another example, this time of a woman with valuable coins. If this woman has ten valuable coins and then loses one coin, she will look in every nook and cranny until she finds it. When she finally locates it, she will call her friends and neighbors to celebrate.
Here’s what I missed before. Luke 15:7 tells us that heaven will be happier over one lost sinner returning to God than over 99 others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away at all.
I realized that this preoccupation with the lost relates to my recent thoughts about acknowledging our own spiritual growth. Sometimes God actually uses this spiritual growth to silently reach His lost.
Think about these words the next time you believe God is using you: “No one after lighting a lamp covers it or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” Luke 8:16 (ESV)
Please share this reflection as others desire to be inspired.
So today, know that God not only recognizes your growth, He’s using it to help others.
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