God actively seeks me

The theme of this chapter is that God is actively seeking us.

In Luke 15: 1-7, the parable of the lost sheep, the Bible states two divisions in Jesus’ audience: sinners and Pharisees. Jesus goes on to tell a story that if a man loses a sheep, he will leave the ones he has to reclaim the one he lost. The man is very happy when he finds the sheep and celebrates with his friends. I learned these things:

• People tend to divide each other by titles. We assume there are good people and bad people, but we all belong to God.

Sometimes people carry a lot of shame. They feel that deeds they have done keep God away. They have experienced others shunning them for those deeds. But God is very happy to seek that person out and is very happy to give him peace. I learned these things:

• Jesus seeks me where I am.

• He doesn't expect me to find my way to him.

• I need only to stand still and call to him.

• He is already near and seeking me.

I also observed that the 99 sheep could represent those that feel they aren’t lost because the are still in the church or part of a community of believers. God is saying that he doesn’t reject either, but he is happy for the ones that realize the are lost. Heaven celebrates those that feel their need and call out to God for help, even while still in their lost state.

In Luke 15: 8-10, the parable of the lost coin, a woman loses one of her ten coins. She turns on her lights and searches for it. When she finds it, she excitedly tells her friends. Jesus says that there is great joy in heaven when a lost person reclaims salvation. I learned these things:

• Jesus searches for me and will use any amount of resources to bring me to him. He tells me that am more valuable than anything else. He is excited to tell his friends about me.

Is this parable the woman isn’t simply walking the countryside until the coin is found. She is using resources she will need anyways. She shows that the coin is more valuable than those resources.

• God is active in my life.

• He moves circumstances to provide a better life for me.

The woman cleans out the house, putting it in order, and tossing out the trash. The trash might represent bad friends, or other influences from our lives. To clean the house the woman must make an effort. God is active in my life, moving me from my comfort zone, drawing me closer to himself so that I can be where I’m safe and valued.

In Luke 15: 11-32, the parable of the prodigal son, a man gives inheritance to his younger son. The son takes the inheritance and squanders it living a rich life. When he learns humility, he comes back home, begging for a place to live. The father accepts him and rejoices at his return.

• I am free to wander away from God.

• God does not restrict my decisions.

The son made a huge mistake. He felt that the father and the family were restricting his enjoyment of life. The father showed that he was not doing that by giving the son what he asked for immediately. Then the father allowed the son to leave and find his way.

• I am allowed to learn about Gods faithfulness through the unfaithfulness of the world.

• I can return to God whenever I want and he will accept me.

The son left and made horrible decisions. He fell into a terrible way in life and became disheartened. He thought his father would never accept him back. But he finally returned home to ask for at least a decent place to live. He was surprised to find the father actually waiting in hope for the sons return.