Lenten Devotion for Saturday, March 13

Today's lessons:

Psalm 32

Exodus 32:7-1

Luke 15:1-10

Author:

Rev. Thomas E. Rogers Jr.

Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Woodstock  

Theme verses:

Luke 15:1-10 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’  So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin  ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’             

Meditation:

I have heard it said that Luke’s 15th chapter is one of the most important in all the Gospels.

We have the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and tomorrow, you’ll read about the parable of the lost son, the Prodigal Son.

So, what makes this chapter important? It is important because it reminds us of the great lengths that God has gone to (and will continue to go to...) so that we might be in relationship with God and each other. It is through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that our relationship is restored.  

Even better, we see that the relationship isn't simply average. Jesus reminds us of the joy and celebration there will be when "the lost" is "found." Even though we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God--often acting "lost"--the Holy Spirit continues to work on our hearts, our souls and our minds so that we can realize this amazing gift of grace.

The Good News for us today is that even when we struggle, we can trust that God will still be searching us out, ready to celebrate!

Prayer:

Gracious God, I thank you for sending Jesus into the world to seek me out, so that I might know your celebratory love. Help me to realize and accept this amazing gift. In Jesus' name. Amen