A very foggy morning brings a two-hour delay for school which allows me to have some time with You this morning, Father! I was already up and ready to go when I got the news so here I am. Father, bless our time together as my day begins on the best foot possible! Amen.
Luke 19:10 (<<click to read the passage)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Are there any additional qualifiers in Jesus’ statement? Anything that narrows the field, so to speak?
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Not just people we like…or those with whom we are comfortable. There is no mention of race or gender or age or sexual preference or political affiliation or any other limiting qualifier. Sin is sin. Lost is lost. Lost grandmothers are just as lost as lost rebels with a cause.
This is a lesson I have been learning more and more over the last several years. And though I am no longer in a predominantly adult world, my learning continues. Regardless of age, some people are easy to love and others? Well, honestly, it is a challenge.
I’ve recently read through Jesus’ love for “tax collectors and sinners” and I, for one, am glad He has no qualifiers. To quote John Newton’s Amazing Grace, “I was lost but now I am found.” But for the grace of God, I would still be utterly lost. But, praise be to God, I wasn’t labeled as not good enough. I wasn’t thought of as hopeless. I wasn’t looked upon with rolling eyes and thoughts of “Oh, it’s him again!” I am loved. I am cherished!
Lord Jesus, first of all, may I never for a moment forget Your love for me. May I always hold dear the sacrifice that You made to find this lost sinner, oh so many years ago. And secondly, may I never forget Your love for others. May I have that same fierce love. May I not write them off because they seem hopeless but may I be a beacon of hope shining forth, leading the lost to You. Amen.
Feb 6th, 2019, Wed, 5:28 am
