ESOCS Devotional 10 April 2021
TEXT: LUKE 15:1-20
MEMORY VERSE: “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.” Luke 15:6 KJV
Our text tells us of three lost things; A sheep, a coin, and a son. All are important and valuable. Thank God, all were found, which brought much joy.
First, Jesus told of a man with a hundred sheep, lost one, he left the ninety-nine, and went after the lost. He kept searching, and when he found it, he “lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing .. calleth his friends and neighbors…. ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost” (v 6). Jesus adds, “I say unto you … joy shall be in heaven over one sinner who repents …” That’s Jesus, the Good Shepherd, looking for people.
Next, He tells of a woman with a “lost coin.” –Valuable to her, and “searches until she finds it.” She turns her attention upon that which was lost. She finds it, and “rejoices … I found the lost.” Don’t you wish lost people were as simple to find?
Like it or not, humanity is a lot like sheep – easy to stray away, and rather defenceless from predators.
We come to the “lost son” – most famous parable of all; Jesus told these stories to save self-righteous folks. Until we are “born again” in Jesus, all are like this son – we’ve gone our own way, out in the world. God both saves sinners, and restores sons who sin in His great love. God’s love will not let you down; and will not let you off. He will not let you go on and on as you are. “God is not willing that any should perish” (II: Peter 2:9). Aren’t you glad the Lord cares about you?
What truths, and lessons, our Lord wants us to see. Unless we change our life, we don’t change our situation; just our location. Better to change us. So, straying away from our heavenly Father is costly. Ask any in any rescue mission, whether sin is costly. Sin takes us farther than we ever thought we’d stray. It keeps us longer than we ever thought we’d stay. It costs us more than we ever thought we’d pay. Separation is always our doing, not God’s. Salvation is always God’s doing, as we yield to Him.
Friend, it is a tough world today, to be lost in. Jesus said, each of these lost were found. How about you? Are you saved? Are you sure of heaven? Salvation is not in a church, Creed, or baptism. It is in a Person – Jesus who died and rose again. Be “found” in Him today!
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
What are those things that are hindering you from getting saved? Set them aside and look unto Jesus.
PRAYER POINT
Lord, forgive me for straying away from thy paths, let your love find me and bring me back to you, in Jesus name.
FURTHER READING: Matthew 18:11-14; Luke 5:27-32
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ESOCS Devotional 10 April 2021
