Bask in the Affirmation

Luke 15:1-2 “Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

An uncomfortable scene took place in Luke 15 as a crowd of religious leaders and “sinners” gathered around Jesus. Surely both groups felt ill at ease around the other. The Scribes and Pharisees looked down upon those they deemed sinners and the “sinners” surely sensed judgement from the religious leaders.

Both groups came to Jesus with purpose that day. The religious intended to trap Jesus. The “sinners” searched hope from the Savior.

Standing in the crowd, the Scribes and Pharisees complained how Jesus associated with sinners. In their eyes, everyone (excluding themselves) fit this category. Ironically, their rude accusation held more truth than they could imagine, for Jesus was indeed surrounded by sinners. The prideful, the gossipers, and the greedy stood all around Him. Without a doubt, those who lied, cheated, and judged others stood there too. And just perhaps, some in that group were adulterers and robbers. But had it dawned on the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus realized these sins in their hearts also?

Jesus responded that day with a parable of a shepherd who willingly left His flock to rescue one lost and distressed little lamb. And when the good shepherd found the lamb, He lovingly carried it on his shoulders to safety where great rejoicing erupted.

What a beautiful description of our Heavenly Father whose redemptive love defies comprehension. Under no circumstances would I have been so kind if forced to leave an entire flock behind to hike the mountains searching for one defiant sheep who chose to wander away. Had I been that shepherd, there would have been absolutely none of that shoulder-carrying. Pretty sure I would have grabbed that lamb by the scruff of his wooly little neck and spanked his fluffy behind all the way home, accompanied by a stern warning of never wandering away again, for there would be no more rescuing. Lost would mean forever lost!   (Now, aren’t you forever grateful that God is God and I am not!)

Whatever our sins, we can rest assured it was represented in the crowd surrounding Jesus that day. And friend, no one can speak forgiveness and redemption into our lives like our God. Just as the Good Shepherd carried that little lost sheep on His shoulders, God’s strong and mighty shoulders will carry us back into his flock. His Word constantly reminds us we are beautiful, precious, and worthy of redemption. So, bask in the affirmation that we are loved and our Good Shepherd desires to redeem us!

Father God, your loving redemption defies our comprehension, and we praise You!

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane