Reflecting on Luke 15:1-10“There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
Jesus compares God’s joy to a poor woman’s joy who finds her lost coin.
She values this silver coin very, very, very, very much.
She does not wait for the coin to turn up, she turns the house inside out.
And she throws a party, telling everyone, when she finds it.
God’s joy comes when sinners repent… but what does that mean?
Sinners are those who do not love like God (Matthew 22:37-40).
Their love muscle (the heart) is both wounded and broken.
It is not only damaged, but it damages others, spreading the misery.
God does not respond with yelling, anger, condemnation or rejection.
God responds with active, self-giving, other-blessing love – for everyone!
To repent is to see the wonder of that love, and to be changed by it.
To turn away from hurtful love toward humble, gracious, helpful love.
As Jesus followers, we received this love when we were wounded and broken.
As Jesus followers, we reflect this love for the wounded and broken.
And we celebrate when love renews their wounded and broken hearts too.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You do not represent and angry, condemning God remaining distant and aloof. You represent the poor-woman-like God that desperately seeks and deeply rejoices when we discover the richness of God's love, and shares the joy. I want to know this love. I want to know this joy!