In mathematical form, 1>99. From all appearances the formula is wrong; it should be 1<99. But God's math is different than man's math.
"there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance ... there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:7,10)
God's priority is on that which is lost. Perhaps there is no more poignant example than the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Following the younger son's foolish choice to squander his inheritance on immoral living, and his repentance over his decision, he chooses the path homeward. And here we see the most striking picture of all:
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)
The father was pleased with the work of his faithful son, but he longed for his lost son. Perhaps he spotted him at a great distance because he daily longed and looked for him.
The picture of their reunion invokes deep emotion. It's impossible to read the account and not be deeply moved. He who was lost was found.
God is the father in this scene, and the lost son represents the lost who repent. He is pleased with those who have come into His family but He longs for those who are lost.
The heart of God is with the lost. He truly wishes for none to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). His great joy is the reclaiming of a lost sinner.
Jesus emphasized a vital truth in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23). The saving message is the "word about the kingdom" and, when it is sown in peoples' hearts, has opportunity to grow in varying degrees or, in the worst case, be snatched away and prevented from growing at all. The key emphasis is on the priority of sowing the seed (the word; the gospel; the good news; the message about the kingdom). There can be no growth if there is no seed sown. No wonder the prophet Isaiah says,
"How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news" (Isaiah 52:7)
If God's heart is for lost people, and if the kingdom message proclaimed by Jesus is what saves, then God urgently desires kingdom proclaimers! If ever we wanted to partner with God and anticipate His fullest blessings, then this surely is the opportunity.
May deep compassion for the lost and a passion for the kingdom message move us such that God can greatly use us.
Steve
"there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance ... there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:7,10)
God's priority is on that which is lost. Perhaps there is no more poignant example than the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Following the younger son's foolish choice to squander his inheritance on immoral living, and his repentance over his decision, he chooses the path homeward. And here we see the most striking picture of all:
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)
The father was pleased with the work of his faithful son, but he longed for his lost son. Perhaps he spotted him at a great distance because he daily longed and looked for him.
The picture of their reunion invokes deep emotion. It's impossible to read the account and not be deeply moved. He who was lost was found.
God is the father in this scene, and the lost son represents the lost who repent. He is pleased with those who have come into His family but He longs for those who are lost.
The heart of God is with the lost. He truly wishes for none to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). His great joy is the reclaiming of a lost sinner.
Jesus emphasized a vital truth in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23). The saving message is the "word about the kingdom" and, when it is sown in peoples' hearts, has opportunity to grow in varying degrees or, in the worst case, be snatched away and prevented from growing at all. The key emphasis is on the priority of sowing the seed (the word; the gospel; the good news; the message about the kingdom). There can be no growth if there is no seed sown. No wonder the prophet Isaiah says,
"How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news" (Isaiah 52:7)
If God's heart is for lost people, and if the kingdom message proclaimed by Jesus is what saves, then God urgently desires kingdom proclaimers! If ever we wanted to partner with God and anticipate His fullest blessings, then this surely is the opportunity.
May deep compassion for the lost and a passion for the kingdom message move us such that God can greatly use us.
Steve
posted by steve @ 9:33 AM
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