Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Luke 15
Read Luke 15 in your Bible. Or you can also read it here.
This entire chapter is a heartwarming one. In the three parables that are shared we can see how much God loves us. I especially love the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost son. In the parable of the lost sheep, in verse 4, Jesus says, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”
This is a beautiful picture of our Father’s love. At one point or another, each of us was that lost sheep. God left the ninety-nine to go after us. He loved us so much that He wanted to bring us back home where we belong. Can’t you just picture a shepherd worried and searching for His lost sheep? He will not rest until the sheep is back in the field.
I also love the parable of the lost son. I especially love verse 20 where it says, “But while [the son] was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” When I read this, my heart overflows. In my mind, I can see our Heavenly Father running down a dusty road to greet us. It is so beautiful to know that is how God sees each of us. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, He just wants us to come home. We are always welcome, as long as we believe. Some people think they are too far gone for God to forgive them, but that is never true. God sees our hearts and if we are sincere, He will welcome us with open arms.
Take a moment to thank God for His immeasurable and unfailingly love. Let us remember that no one will ever love us as much as He does. Take some time today to rest in His arms and feel His love for you.
Additional Resource: Pastor Jentezen Franklin recently preached on this chapter of Luke. Check out his sermon, How to Finish Stronger Than You Started.
If you are also participating in the Gratitude Challenge, today is day 86 of 100. Not much further to go!
© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
Both these parables show us so much of the Fathers love for us.
With the lost sheep- we are reminded that we are never lost in the crowd for Him. He sees us, knows us and cares for us.
With the Lost son- we realise the privilege we have of being His children, adopted by grace. Sometimes we can be callous with that privilege like how the prodigal son was and then realised that without the Father he was indeed lost.
And the picture you painted of the father running towards the son- a comfort for us all of the extent of his love.
May we never lose the awe and gratitude of being recipients of that sort of Love.
Blessings to you my friend 🤗🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make a good point. Often we do take the gift of grace for granted. We forget the magnitude of what Jesus did for us. I am so thankful that our Father doesn’t give up on us and welcomes us with loving arms. I agree with your sentiment – “May we never lose the awe and gratitude of being recipients of that sort of Love.” Amen! Blessings to you too! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great uplifting post. After your article, I’m thinking of myself as a lost sheep. I picture the shepherd as right here with me and continuously guiding me back to his flock.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not sure if we will ever outgrow needing our Shepherd. Each season brings new challenges. But He is always there, guiding us along in our journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do have the privilege of resting in God’s love. The world tries to steal our peace but in Him peace abounds. He even promises to exchange our prayers for His peace that surpasses all understanding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that – “in Him peace abounds.” So beautifully said! I am so thankful for the peace that Jesus gives us. What a precious gift. As Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.“ How comforting that is!!
LikeLiked by 1 person