"Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? "When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!' "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luke 12:8-10
Greetings prayer partner,
Previously, I shared with you that I was prompted to really pinpoint what it is that I am “seeking” in our NDPTF “Season of Seeking” and that several Scripture references flooded my mind in that moment including John 1:38. This week I turn to some others found in Luke chapter 15 where we read three accounts of “seeking” through the eyes and heart of Jesus who is responding to the grumbling judgement of the religious leaders for eating with sinners and tax collectors.
The first response asks, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” Jesus continues with the account of the lost coin. Even thought the woman has nine others, she lights her home, sweeps and searches carefully until she finds the one that is lost. The third tells the story of a prodigal son and the culturally adverse account of a watchful father who finally catches a glimpse of him heading towards home. Compassion and love compels the father to not only run to him but to receive him back as a son not a servant.
In all three of these, the seeker searches diligently, carefully, continuing UNTIL they find what they are looking for. In addition, all three call their friends and neighbors to come “rejoice” with them. Jesus connects each account to the joy that occurs in heaven when one sinner repents.
Do you enjoy a joyful celebration? Do you remember the last time you celebrated? What was the occasion? As you read these three parables, we want to encourage you to celebrate more often by sharing good news, to share with family and friends in everyday conversations about the goodness of God, answered prayers, lessons and encouragement you have learned or are studying in Scripture. God reveals His presence, power, and love in our lives every day when we seek Him and sharing something that seems as simple as finding a lost coin or as significant as a prodigal repenting and returning home and everything in between makes for a great and glorifying way to turn conversations into celebrations and encourage your friends and family as well.
Would you please join us in prayer now?
Heavenly Father, we rejoice with heaven when one sinner repents, when the lost are found, when Your will is done and Your glory abounds. We continue to seek You, to know You and make You known to our family, neighbors and nations. Please prompt us to pray and not pull away from those who refuse to follow You, to celebrate Your blessings, Your will and Your worthiness of our praise and obedience. Your love endures; You seek lost sheep and pursue even those who refuse You. Help us to rejoice always, and seek knowing You have promised, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
