Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 14, 2019
Then Jesus told them this parable: “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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:3-7
Love pursues you. The love of the Lord is relentless in its resolve to bring you into right relationship with Him. Heaven’s love is in pursuit of you to get you to heaven and continues to pursue you to enjoy communion with Christ on earth and community with His followers. The love of God is not just a one time event to forgive you of your sins, it is an ongoing process of intimacy with the Almighty. Like a husband and wife who grow daily in knowing how to love and be loved by each other, so God is your groom in hot pursuit of your heart. He loves you! Never forget: love is in pursuit of you. Be loved. Listen to love. Be known, know love’s voice.
Jesus explained His radical love to hypocritical religious leaders. They were blind to true intimacy with their eternal God, because these teachers of the law were motivated by money and prestige. Jesus described them as hired hands who only posed as shepherds, who sought admiration from their position and paycheck to inflate their importance. Instead of serving the poor, they exploited the poor and were no where to be found when others suffered injustice.
Consider those leaders in contrast to the Good Shepherd who looks after the good of the people. Leaving the security of the 99 sheep, he embarks on the look out for his one lost sheep. Lost in a confused state, lost to the security of the flock and lost to being able to hear the voice of love. Ah, the voice of love—tender, distinct and close by. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling lost sinners to come home…he who is weary come home. Healthy sheep hear their Savior’s voice and know they are known by Him. Green pastures and still waters restore a lost, languishing soul with life giving love.
“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most” (Psalm 23:1-3, The Living Bible).
Or perhaps, there is one that Love is calling you to love. She has strayed away, afraid and alone. Unsure. Unknown. Undone. Prayerfully, full of the Spirit, pursue her. Leave your comfort zone for the sake of one—as perfect love will open doors of favor and acceptance. The Father’s relentless love flowing through you is irresistible to the lost one. Love builds up and lifts up. When she comes to Christ, join heaven in rejoicing over another one captivated by pursing love.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone you know loses his way and rebels against God, pursue him in love and bring him back to the truth” (James 5:19, The Voice).
Have you surrendered your soul to God’s love? A love so pure, that once it does its work, you are cleansed, full of faith and hope. Do you know the voice of the One whose spoken word creates life in abundance? Listen, for love speaks to you. You are His beloved, precious in His flock of followers. Love pursues you because you are worth being pursued. Embrace your radical Lover!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for your great love and for your unending pursuit of me by your love, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Who do I need to pursue with my patient love and kindness?
Related Reading
Psalm 36:10; Isaiah 16:5; John 5:42, 10:14-18; Romans 5:5
Post/Tweet today
The love of the Lord is relentless in its resolve to bring you into right relationship with Him. #WisdomHunters #love #Jesus
Worship Resource
7 minute video- Elenyi and Friends:
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
