Every person is precious to God. Every single one.
And each time a single sinner repents and returns to him, he rejoices — and all his angels with him.
Think of King David. Or Peter. Or the apostle Paul, for that matter. Think of Thomas doubting, then seeing and believing.
Each time a sinner turned away from sin, or unbelief, he was received back and his relationship with God was restored immediately.
Remember the story of the prodigal son? The son is welcomed home into the loving arms of his father. Or do you recall the parable of the woman who loses a single valuable coin, and how she rejoices with all her friends and neighbors when she finds it again?
Anyone might readily think that the needs of the many should outweigh the needs of just one person. But Jesus says that, actually, the opposite is true.
In his kingdom, the needs of the few, or even just one, outweigh the needs of the many. Especially when it comes to forgiveness of sins, being reconciled to God and possessing the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ — all it takes to make Jesus rejoice is one single sinner!
One single sinner turning back to Jesus. For Jesus, there’s no greater joy!
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 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. (Luke 15:3-7, NIV).
Our Bible reading for Monday, April 13, is Deuteronomy 19:1 – 20:20, Luke 15:1-32 and Psalm 45:1-9.
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me, and searching for me, and pulling me back to yourself. I’m just one single sinner. But you make it clear that I mean the world to you!
Header image based on "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Jorge Elias, CC By 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Monday, April 13, is Deuteronomy 19:1 – 20:20, Luke 15:1-32 and Psalm 45:1-9.
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 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. (Luke 15:3-7 NIV)
Heavenly Father, you are truly the shepherd of mankind. I am just one of your flock. A flock that is more numerous than stars. Some stars fall Lord, but you have a plan for all the heavens. Father I try and stay with the flock. Sometimes I move away. I get distracted by what’s over there, or something new catches my eye. Thank you Lord for coming after me. Thank you Lord for treating me with the love only a Father can show his child. Your forgiveness shows no boundaries and for that I am forever grateful.
~Paul Montenieri
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