Parables of Truths

Today’s Readings: Exodus 12:22–51; Luke 15; Job 30; 1 Corinthians 16

“He began to teach them many things in parables.” (Mark 4:2)

I love Jesus’s parables. Simple images and characters from everyday life to create a story and help illustrate His message to us. Parables were shared for those who would have “eyes to see” or “ears to hear” and in order for us to have a clearer understanding of His messages. There are three priceless parables in Luke 15. The Parable of the Lost Sheep, Parable of the Lost Coin, and Parable of the Prodigal Son. To me they are a reminder of being lost, searching, and rejoicing. Where I’ve personally been and a hope for many who are still lost. Whether you are the lost sheep, coin, or prodigal son; through Christ we are found.  (Amen) Three verses that I want to highlight in each of these parables helps me to understand who God is and what his kingdom is like.

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

” Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:31-32)

 

So as we enter into our day take hold of the moments of where you may have the opportunity to be the shepherd who finds a lost sheep, the woman who finds the silver coin you have been searching for, or forgiving father who’s son was dead but now alive.  The visual of a father holding his son after he repents is how God holds us. He wants us to respond to sinners in the same way.  For we have all sinned and fall short of God (Romans 3:23). Through God’s will He provides us with divine appointments in our day where you may plant a seed that lands on good ground and will begin to grow. (Mark 4:8)

By no means will this come easy for us. It will come with many submissions from our daily routines or job schedules and take extra moments to focus on others need instead of our own.  When others “mumble or grumble” because of our lack of focus on worldly things know that you are bearing the fruit of the Spirit.  Your love you show to others can provide the opportunity of rejoicing for one sheep that may have been lost but now found. We were all lost at one point – now found, blind- but now see, dead- but now alive. All things are possible through God. (Mark 10:27)

  • Are we trying to rescue like the shepherd?
  • Do we search for those lost throughout the day like the woman?
  • Do we forgive others like the father? 

I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 13:35)

Dear God,

Thanks for sending your own Son for us. To teach everyone about your instructions for us.  These parables are instructions for our life.  You are a loving Father who gives hope to all.  I pray for you to help me to always be on guard, stand firm in your faith, be courageous about your truths, and to do everything in love.  God help us to open our eyes to others that are lost so we can share the glory of you and your kingdom.  Amen