Revealing Jesus with Darlene ZschechVoorbeeld

Rejoice With Me

The Good Shepherd finds the lost sheep and brings it home. The next thing He does is scold and punish the sheep for its carelessness and rebelliousness. Right? After all, the sheep knew the Shepherd’s voice and should have listened. It was its own fault that it got into such a mess.

That is what the sheep—what you and I—deserve. But that’s not how God treats us. In this parable from Jesus, He shows us what He and the Father are really like: “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” (v. 7). It is so comforting to realize today that we are now part of the redeemed, that we know how much He delights in us. We are His beloved children whom He cares for in every way. But the picture He paints for us is that all of heaven breaks out in a joyful, spontaneous celebration that the lost sheep, the one who was so close to death, has been found.

Who is the lost sheep in your life? A child? A brother or sister? A parent? A longtime friend? A neighbor? Who has God put on your heart? And what will you do about it? Ask God to show you how to reach out to that person in the exact place, that depth of heart, where they know the truth that they need a Savior? Don’t give up if you feel rebuffed. Be gentle and persistent. And be prepared to begin a most joyful celebration that reaches up to heaven!

Thank you, heavenly Father, for helping me to recognize my need for you. Grow in me a heart of love that reaches others with the truth of your love for them. Keep me sensitive to your leading when the time is right and hearts are ready.

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