The Relentless Love of the Shepherd
Luke 15:1-7
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 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.
Thoughts:
God's love for us is relentless and personal. Just as the shepherd left the 99 to find the one lost sheep, our Heavenly Father seeks after each of us individually. Today, reflect on times when you were lost or distant from God. Remember that He never stopped searching for you, no matter how far you may have strayed. His love is not passive, but active and pursuing.
Prayer:
How does knowing this change your perspective on God's love for you? Pray about how you can extend this same kind of love to someone in your life who is lost or distant.
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 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.
Thoughts:
God's love for us is relentless and personal. Just as the shepherd left the 99 to find the one lost sheep, our Heavenly Father seeks after each of us individually. Today, reflect on times when you were lost or distant from God. Remember that He never stopped searching for you, no matter how far you may have strayed. His love is not passive, but active and pursuing.
Prayer:
How does knowing this change your perspective on God's love for you? Pray about how you can extend this same kind of love to someone in your life who is lost or distant.
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