Luke 15:1-10
15: Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Reflection
In these two stories we see that God does not reluctantly save sinners. Rather, his eagerness to extend grace is clearly seen in the shepherd who searches for the lost sheep “until he finds it” (Luke 15:4) and in the woman who seeks “diligently” until she locates her lost her coin (v. 8). In both cases, Jesus indicates that God is persistently pursuing the rescue of sinners. He does not delight to see people self-destruct in sin and brokenness. Instead he has taken vast measures to save us (cf. 2 Sam. 14:14), and he greatly rejoices in our restoration (Luke 15:7, 10).
Colossians 4:7-18
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Reflection
In this final section of the letter, we see the network of partnerships that Paul had developed in his gospel ministry. Through a variety of gifts and resources this diverse group of people played an important role in the advancement of the message of God’s grace. Some of them delivered messages (Col. 4:8–9), some traveled with Paul (v. 10), some labored in prayer (v. 12), and some hosted meetings (v. 15).
This should encourage us to celebrate the diverse giftedness within and throughout our churches. Because God has graciously enrolled us in the work of his kingdom, each of us plays an important role in the ministry occurring within our own church and community. This is one of the great privileges of being adopted into the family of God, and yet another reminder of the glorious message that has changed our lives and our destiny: “Grace be with you” (v. 18).
Psalm 23:1-3
23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
As a shepherd cares for his flock, so the Lord cares for his people. Pray for those in your life who are in need of God’s merciful shepherding care, including your church leaders and their families.