March 24, 2010
Luke 15
Pastor Derek Floyd
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound….” So begins one of the most beloved hymns of all time. The author was John Newton, a self-proclaimed wretch who once was lost but then was found, saved by amazing grace. What John experienced was a grace that knows no limits when seeking to rescue the lost and bring them home.
Jesus associated with certain classes of people that were identified by the Pharisees as being sinners. His actions infuriated the religious leaders, yet Christ continued to go to those who needed him, whoever they were. How are you and I following his example?
As recorded in Luke 15, each of Jesus’ three parables concluded with rejoicing and the lost being found. In verse 6, “’Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep’” Verse 9: “’Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin’.” Verse 32: “…celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’.”
It’s my conclusion that God has a thing about the “lost and found department” of heaven. The greatest of all Christ-followers began their journey in the “lost” department before finding themselves “found.” As a result, their lives and mission would never be the same. Like the father in the parable, we accept repentant sinners wholeheartedly. It’s what Jesus did, what others did, and the reason you and I are living in the hope of heaven.
Amazing grace. Now that is music to my ears!
Pastor Derek’s favorite scripture passage is found in Psalm 19:12-14 – “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
