October 19
Luke 14:25-17:10; John 11:1-37
We all want to know we are loved and valued. We want to know we matter and someone cares about us. The repeated message of the Bible is we are loved by God. Further, this message was central to Jesus’ life. Jesus tells three stories to illustrate God’s love for all people. He tells a story about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. God chases after these lost objects because his love craves to be in relationship with them. Further, the conclusion of these stories is heaven rejoices at the salvation of every individual who enters the life of Jesus. Yet we may, like the older son, resist this love rather than enter into the extravagance of God’s love. In his love is acceptance, grace, mercy, and welcome, so we should run into the arms of God.
There is nothing from God's perspective that keeps us from experiencing this love, so we are called to empty ourselves of all cheap substitutes to embrace God’s love by faith. Jesus calls us to "hate" (Luke 16:13) (to value less) all things of this world compared to him. We are to choose Jesus over money, family, earthly pleasure, and everything else because true love and life is only found in him. Let us run to Jesus and find the perfect love that we so desperately crave.
Father God, thank you that I am loved by you. Help me to find all that I need in you, your Son, and your Spirit. Help me to rest in your love and acceptance. Amen.
What causes you to question God's love for you and how can you overcome these doubts?
We all want to know we are loved and valued. We want to know we matter and someone cares about us. The repeated message of the Bible is we are loved by God. Further, this message was central to Jesus’ life. Jesus tells three stories to illustrate God’s love for all people. He tells a story about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. God chases after these lost objects because his love craves to be in relationship with them. Further, the conclusion of these stories is heaven rejoices at the salvation of every individual who enters the life of Jesus. Yet we may, like the older son, resist this love rather than enter into the extravagance of God’s love. In his love is acceptance, grace, mercy, and welcome, so we should run into the arms of God.
There is nothing from God's perspective that keeps us from experiencing this love, so we are called to empty ourselves of all cheap substitutes to embrace God’s love by faith. Jesus calls us to "hate" (Luke 16:13) (to value less) all things of this world compared to him. We are to choose Jesus over money, family, earthly pleasure, and everything else because true love and life is only found in him. Let us run to Jesus and find the perfect love that we so desperately crave.
Father God, thank you that I am loved by you. Help me to find all that I need in you, your Son, and your Spirit. Help me to rest in your love and acceptance. Amen.
What causes you to question God's love for you and how can you overcome these doubts?
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