“Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 Then when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.” Luke 15:1-7 NET
Good Shepherd,
Joy in heaven. I wonder what that sounds like? I know what joy sounds like here on celebratory occasions. Like when a goal is scored especially a winning one. When someone wins gold and breaks a world record in the Olympic games. Like the cheer when someone is given an award or when candles are blown out on a birthday cake. Joy is catching, for those moments sadness, and any other thoughts are driven away.
There is joy in heaven. This is a parable but You are showing us through the telling of it in Your Word that heaven experiences joy. There isn’t just a big register counting up how many decisions have been made. How many have been added to the flock. No it is about the one, each one. An emotion and response. Joy over every single one. Because there is a victory, there has been a spiritual birth day. One who was lost has been found, rescued not only from death but to a life with meaning and purpose.
Today, and every day, help us to remember the joy that was in heaven when we met Jesus. We give joyful thanks that heaven still celebrates every single sinner who repents and finds Jesus. You know each of us by name (Luke 12:6,7).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Good Shepherd,
Guard, guide and keep those we care for, safe. Heal the sick, call the rebellious, calm the worried and provide for the needy. Open their eyes to see the love and joy You have in them. Even if they scoff or say they do not believe.
Bless Ukraine with an end to war and conflict by Russia. You know how to speak peace and where and when. We pray it will be soon and not lead to continuing oppression.
We pray for the many areas of the world where there is oppressive regimes and poor provision of education, medical care and support for the aged and vulnerable. Thank You for the outreach of Your church in Word and deed. Thank You for the many aid organisations. We pray You will protect and direct them.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 10th Sept 2023
In tenderness he sought me
Weary and sick with sin
And on His shoulders brought me
Back to His fold again
While angels in His presence sang
Until the courts of heaven rang
Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God
Grace that brought me to the fold of God
He died for me while I was sinning
Needy and poor and blind
He whispered to assure me
“”I’ve found thee; thou art Mine””
I never heard a sweeter voice
It made my aching heart rejoice
Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God
Grace that brought me to the fold of God
Upon His grace I’ll daily ponder
And sing anew His praise
With all adoring wonder
His blessings I retrace
It seems as if eternal days
Are far too short to sing His praise
Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God
Grace that brought me to the fold of God