In Luke 14, we learned that those who minister to sinners come alive. He who turns a sinner from the error of way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20). God continually searches and shows compassion for those who go astray, whether a person is immoral or self-righteous. Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. Will you invest your life in reconciling people to Christ?
Pharisees and scribes grumbled as Jesus ate with tax-gatherers and sinners. Jesus told parables about a man leaving 99 sheep and going after the lost one until he found it. After coming home, he calls together his friends and neighbors to rejoice over finding the lost sheep. More joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance (Lk. 15:1-7). Jesus searches and rejoices after finding a lost person who repents of sin.
A woman losing one of ten silver coins carefully searches until she finds it. She rejoices with her friends and neighbors after finding the lost coin. Joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Lk. 15:8-10). Angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents.
A younger of two sons asked his father squandered his share of the estate with loose living in a distant country. After spending everything and feeding swine, he realized his father’s hired men had enough to eat, but he was dying with hunger. The son confessed his sin to God thinking he was no longer worthy to be called a son. Coming home, his father saw, felt compassion, ran, embraced and kissed him. The father brought out the best robe so they could eat and be merry “for this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” The older son was angry and refused to go to the celebration. He told his father that for years he served and obeyed him, but never received a party like his younger son who devoured wealth with harlots. The father said, “My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to be merry and rejoice, for the brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found” (Lk. 15:11-32). God yearns for both moral and immoral sons to repent of sin.
Pray for family members or friends who have gone astray so they will repent of their sin remembering the promise of James 5:20.
