In Luke Chapter 15, there are three parables talking about something that was lost and then found again. Each parable shows a slightly different angle building upon one another explaining the position of man and the attitude of God towards the situation. The common elements in all three of the parables are: something lost, found or returned, and rejoicing or celebrating. Today I would like to focus on the rejoicing and celebrating aspects of the parables.
In all three of the parables the owner (shepherd, woman, and father) of the object represents God. The object (sheep, pearl, and prodigal son) represents one who has come back to the presence or relationship with God. In all three of the parables the owner rejoices or celebrates with others when the lost one is united back with him. It didn=92t matter to the owner why the object was lost. What was important to the owner was that it was back with him again.
These parables share God=92s precious heart with us. Just as in verse 6 & 9 where the owner says =93rejoice with me=94 and in verse 32 to =93celebrate and rejoice=94, God rejoices with others when a person turns to Him for love and acceptance that He loves them. He celebrates over us with others when we turn to Him in faith for forgiveness of our sins in Jesus Christ. The Greek word Sugca, rhte is in the imperative tense explaining that God personally calls out to others to rejoice and celebrate with Him when someone turns to Him for salvation.
God=92s love for us is so great that He does not care about what we have done in the past but is concerned with the present and our eternal future. He is gracious and compassionate towards us. He doesn=92t hold grudges or keep track of our past sins for those who come to Him believing that Jesus gave His life to atone for sins which result in the penalty of death. He has restored the relationship that was once lost and now is found joined together with Him for eternity.
We can live in confidence that God loves us greatly and is joyous to be in relationship with us. May we rejoice with Him over our own life with Him and also, for others who turn to Him.
Peace in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord,
love
Daniel
Posted on July 4th, 2006 by Daniel
Filed under: Michelle's Journal