Reflecting on Luke 15:31-32“You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31)
God’s love for outsiders does not neglect those who already belong.
Leaving the 99 (Luke 15:4) does not mean neglecting or abandoning them.
Those within the sheepfold already have all they need – love, food and protection.
God loves them equally, even if special attention is given to the weak.
Ask a parent with one special needs child along with other children.
This son focused on how hard he slaved, not on all that he had with the father.
Do we as Jesus followers appreciate how much we already have with God.
All of God’s gracious love and goodness are ours, with plenty to share.
God’s deepest hope is that all God’s children would share in this loving goodness.
Not to just ‘get the stuff’, but to experience the relational joy and blessing.
But to ALWAYS be with God, sharing in God’s abundant grace and goodness.
Is this my deepest hope for others, for friends, strangers and even enemies?
As a Jesus follower, I am radically blessed beyond my deserving.
I am always with God, and everything God has is mine!
May this be my deepest desire for others as well, and what gives me joy!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, God's deepest hope and joy is for His whole family to rediscover the loving, gracious abundance of life with God. Use me to generously share this love and blessing, so that they can be won back by God's love, joy and peace!
Being safe and secure in the ‘fold’ we take for granted at times. The joy we have in the Lord God needs to be shared to those around us so that we can be instruments of His peace. Our living for Jesus needs to be inviting for others to join the family of God.