This coming Sunday (16/9) we will be hearing two much loved parables spoken by our Lord - the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin from Luke 15.Jesus proclaims two things very clearly in these parables. The first point He makes is that sinners are lost. In other words, sin separates people from God.
The second great teaching is that God grieves over that separation to the point that he goes looking for those sinners who are lost until they are found and restored. God pays no concern to the cost - even being prepared to go in search of one sheep out of the hundred. Ninety-nine out of a hundred is not a good enough result - the Lord desires that all people will be saved.
CS Lewis famously reflected on this gracious seeking of God as He referred to our Heavenly Father as the 'Hound of heaven' who doggedly refuses to give up searching us out.
The parables both finish with Jesus expressing great joy and delight as even one human soul is recovered. It's a beautiful image as we are told that the angels join in the celebration in heaven over one sinner who repents! Do we always give God this joy?
Why not take time to mull over the readings in your preparation for worship this week:
Exodus 32.7–14
1 Timothy 1.12–17
Luke 15.1–10
The Psalm is 51:1-10
Divine Service will begin at 11.00am. See you there!
God's peace,
Pastor Matt
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