Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, May 17, 2015

Based Upon Luke 15:4-10

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Luke 15 highlights a very intriguing parable. I say parable, because upon deeper study and meditation upon the various players, we must discover that there are more commonalities that are often taught.

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In the beginning of the story, the Bible immediately draws a line right down the middle between two categories of people. The first are the religious elite, the proud Pharisees (not all Pharisees were proud). They were hypercritical of Jesus’ love and care for the second category of people—the sinners. With these two groups clearly delineated, Jesus begins the first installment of the parable.

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The Master beautifully portrays the love of a shepherd who has plenty of sheep for which to care, nurture, and feed. One day he discovers that one out of 99 of those dear helpless sheep is lost. Jesus then describes the shepherd’s concern in the fact that he leaves the 99 in search of the one who was lost. He brings his audience into the equation by asking which one of them would not do the same. Who would not go and search for this precious sheep who knows it has gone far from the fold, but needs help to get home. Thankfully, the story climaxes with the loving shepherd finding the lost sheep, brining it home, and throwing a big party for others to come and rejoice. The one sheep that was lost is now home. Further He says, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7).

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Jesus continues the parable with a second installment. Again, He beautifully portrays a frantic woman who has lost a precious coin—one of 10. In contrast to the sheep that was lost away from home, this coin was lost right at home. In contrast to the sheep that obviously knew it was lost, the coin, being at home, had no idea it was lost. The Bible says that the woman swept her house with incredible interest. She absolutely had to find the coin. It was precious to her. When she had found the coin, she, like the shepherd, called her neighbors to rejoice with her, because she found that which was lost. And further Jesus says, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10).

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From the very beginning, we can see the parallels Jesus is drawing, if we prayerfully pay attention. Remember that there were two groups of people present. There were Pharisees. Which of the two symbols of lost things would the proud Pharisees be? Then, there were the so-called lowly sinners who loved being in the presence of Jesus, because they knew full well that they were in desperate need of a Savior. Which of the two symbols of lost things would the sinners be?

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When we unpack more of the parable tomorrow with the Prodigal Son as our point of focus, we will get a better handle on these thought provoking questions. But, right now we can clearly see that our God wants us to know that whether we are proud people who think we have it all together, or we are humble sinners who realize we need the Savior, He loves us all, and will stop at nothing to find us when we are lost. The Most High stops at nothing to recover those who have gone astray, and then all of heaven rejoices when we are found an repent of our sins.

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Be sure to join us tomorrow as we unpack more of the parable and make direct application.--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)