Topic: Searching For The Lost

Opening Prayer: Open my eyes O Lord that I might behold wondrous things from your word in Jesus name.

Scripture: Luke 15: 1‐10

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

MESSAGE

The Jewish religious leaders were criticizing our Lord Jesus for welcoming the ‘sinners’, even eating and socializing with them. They miss two important knowledge: 1. Of their own state (Romans 3:10‐12; 23; Isaiah 64:6). 2. Of the reason Jesus came into the world (Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:15). Had they these understandings, they would have kept their mouths shut.

Do you also behave like the Pharisees, looking down on people like harlots, prisoners, drunkards, drug addicts, etc. as more sinful than you are and condemned? ‘All partridges are of equal height except the one standing on a heap of soil’ (an adage). We are all totally lost sheep and coin and cannot, on our own, trace our way back to the fold. We remain lost and dead in our sins.

But, thanks to the great Shepherd who diligently seeks for us to redeem us. So instead of condemning others, what should we rather do, as illustrated by these two parables?

Practice/Word Application
And so? Have you brought joy to heaven lately either by turning to the Saviour yourself, or by bringing the message of the Gospel to another person?

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Help me, Lord, to place high value on the lost around me so I can bring great joy in heaven as they are restored to you.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Matthew 25:21; 2 Samuel 13, 14, Matthew 19

Thanks for reading Today’s Daily Guide 23 May 2022 | Scripture Union Devotional