In today's passage (Luke 15), Jesus is speaking to a group of sinners and tax collectors as he loved to do. Among them were a bunch of self righteous and hard-hearted Pharisees and teachers of the religious law. Verse two tells us the they were “muttering” to each other that he was with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus knew their thoughts and took a moment to bring perspective to them.
He shares the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son. Each parable demonstrates God’s love for the lost and the joy he experiences when his children return "home," not as in heaven, but in relationship with Christ. “Your kingdom come your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Jesus never preached to go straight to heaven, He preached that heaven would come to earth!
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."
Jesus celebrates when the ONE comes home. There is no one too far from God that he forgets their name. A church that can not celebrate what God celebrates will eventually die. How can you respond to the ONE? How can you value the ONE? How can you celebrate the ONE? How can you reach the ONE? How can YOU go after the ONE?
Missions paves the way to a miracle. On Wednesday, November 18th, our River YTH students are coming together to give money to Speed the Light. This money will be used to provide clean drinking water and wells in different counties, transportation, and the Gospel message. To give to this incredible cause, visit https://riveroflifeag.churchcenter.com/giving and select "Speed the Light" in the dropdown box. Be a part of something great. Help us pave the way to a miracle.
