The Other Jesus, Week 3, Day 5

LUKE 19:10; 15:3-10

When Jesus tells the story of the lost coin and the tale of the lost sheep he seems to be narrowing the range of God’s interest and action. Similarly he connects his own mission and life focus to finding, seeking and saving lost people.

But on closer examination he is not describing a narrow focus for God’s saving work—he is expanding our sense of lostness. You can be lost in a rule defiance, in willful disinterest in God’s commands. But you can equally be “lost” in pride and self-sufficiency, in independence and self-satisfaction, in superiority and contempt. You can be outwardly conforming to religious regulations, but inwardly rebelling against God’s loving values.

How wide is your definition of “lostness”?

Do you understand it relationally? In terms of those whose lives and hearts are disconnected from their heavenly Father?

How has God sought you?

FAMILY TIME

Tell a story from your life about getting lost and being found.

Tags: defiance, disconnect, lost