Luke 15:8-10

Luke 15:8-10

“Or what woman, having ten drachma, if she should lose one drachma does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search diligently until she should find it?  And after finding it, she calls friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I found the drachma that I lost!’  In the same way, I say to you all, joy will become in the presence of the angels of God upon one sinner repenting.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus sets up another realistic parable of everyday living.  Who hasn’t had a collection of things and then one goes missing?  Furthermore, when we make it about money it hits even closer to home.  Who hasn’t known that they had money somewhere but they couldn’t find it?  Of course.  We all know that feeling.  Once more we see Jesus using a situation that should be relatable.  Jesus is using the flow of natural everyday life to help bring faith and relationship with God into the lives of the people around Him.

How good are you at finding teachable moments?  How good are you at being able to tie faith into scenarios that other people can understand?

Second Thought:

The woman searches.  We do that when we lose money, keys, or other possessions.  When the woman finds it, she calls her family and neighbors and celebrates.  We do that, too!  This parable shows us the importance of community.  When we are sad, we reach out to the people around us.  When we are happy, we reach out to the people around us.  We like to feel like we belong.  We like to feel connected with people who understand us.  We are a communal and social people.

Who are the people with whom you relate?  Who are the ones to whom you turn when you are worried, concerned, or want to celebrate?  What role does community play in your life?

Third Thought:

So what is Jesus teaching?  We are all God’s creation.  If you will, we are all a part of His “collection.”  Yet, we were lost in sin.  Being lost, God is doing what He can to find us and bring us back into His collection.  He wants to bring us back into relationship with Him.  When He finds us, there is incredible rejoicing!  God doesn’t need us; He wants us.

How do you relate to the God who is actively searching you out?  Do you feel God’s rejoicing in your life anywhere?

Passage for Tomorrow: Luke 15:11-16