One Sinner

Luke 15:10 — 10 I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

            Luke chapter 15 is often called the chapter of lost things. Jesus tells three parables: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. Amazingly, the One who created all things is deeply concerned about what is lost. The psalmist reminds us, “For every animal of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). Since God owns everything, it would seem that when something is lost, He could simply replace it. He certainly could. But He doesn’t.

            Have you ever stopped to consider that when a person wanders from God or rejects Him, God doesn’t simply write them off? He does just the opposite. God sent His Son to seek and save what was lost…you and me.

He didn’t do this because He was competing with Satan or trying to improve His numbers. In fact, Jesus said the road that leads to life is narrow, and few find it. God didn’t send His Son to win a competition. He sent His Son because He loves us.

When I think about that exchange…God giving His Son for sinful humanity…my mind goes to the hymn, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us:

“How deep the Father’s love for us,

How vast beyond all measure,

That He should give His only Son,

To make a wretch His treasure.“

            Question:  If God cared enough to send His Son to die for the lost…do we care enough to even share the Gospel with those we encounter?  In the words of the late Pastor Voddie Baucham, “If you can’t say amen, say ouch.”