Title: Lost And Found Celebrations / Topic: God's Nature

Today’s Reading: Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15

Scripture: Luke 15 (selected verses)
1 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

6 "...he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

9 ...she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate...
32 ...we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"

Observation: The contrast between Jesus and the "Pharisees and teachers of the law" is stark. They, with all their pomp and seriousness and self-aggrandizement, are grouchily muttering against Jesus' habit of hanging out with the wrong crowd. Jesus responds with three parables -- stories that make a point. And the point of all three stories is that God is nothing like these stick-in-the-mud, so-called leaders. The stories have a common theme: Lost and Found. And at the end of each of the stories (when the lost has been found), there is a celebration. Friends are called and they share in the party, rejoicing over the restoration of that which was lost. Jesus is teaching, "God is all about seeking and finding the lost. He doesn't care a bit for tradition -- his heart of love compels him to search for the lost. And once he finds them, God's nature is to celebrate!" I love what the prodigal's father says, "we had to celebrate and be glad..." In other words, God can't help himself! When the lost is found, a celebration is going to happen. It is his nature.

Application: If we are to be like our Father, we will be happy and celebrate. This doesn't mean that there won't be a time for seriousness, or sadness, or even mourning. But what characterizes us must be joy. Those who claim to represent God with nothing but seriousness and somberness are misrepresenting him. The Pharisees and their ilk are clueless as to how God really is. They might think that they are representing him, but they are living a lie. True children of the Father will be joyful and happy.

Prayer: Lord, I want to convey your joy with my words, actions, and attitudes. Help me to represent you faithfully, and help me to always be about seeking and finding the lost, and rejoicing when they are found.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.