Hiding in Plain Sight

The passage we are reading and studying today is a powerful example of love. It is an illustration of just how much our God loves us, every one of us. Think about it, God has accounted for 99 of His 100 sheep.  That's 99%! Not bad per our standards, but it isn’t good enough for God. He wants every one of His flock present and accounted for. The idea that one has gone astray, and might be hurt or in trouble brings Jesus to His feet in search of the one.

Here is a scenario that many of us have experienced: a momentarily lost child. Years ago my daughter called me and share how my grandson was shopping with his parents when he decided to have some fun. He found a cozy spot against a wall where men’s dress pants were on display. He snuggled into a spot where he could hide himself but still see what was going on. 

Well, it wasn’t too long before his mother realized he wasn’t right next to her. She started to call his name and search all around for him.  Before long mom and dad were both in a panic, not able to find him in the store they began searching neighboring businesses.

They eventually found him and the flood of relief that he was okay, overwhelmed them and they hugged him close. Then there was a moment of anger that the situation happened in the first place. It was a teaching moment for certain.  But, that is our human side showing.

Luke 15:7 (HCSB) 
I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance.

When Jesus left the 99 in search of the 1 that was gone, He must have been sick with worry. He knew what danger lurked outside the fold, but an innocent lamb all alone. And when He finally find it, there is no anger, only rejoicing. Just like when we are lost and then found, Heaven has a party to welcome us into the flock.

Luke 15:1-7

Deuteronomy 13:1-5

"It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him." (Deuteronomy 13:4)

The words, "Keep His commands and obey Him," are significant and a recipe to get through this life and live.  There is talk about the end times being close at hand; but I think there has been that talk in every generation.  When we look around us though, we do have reason to suspect something is going on.  The morality in our county is slipping.  President George Washington was quoted as saying, "Religion and morality are indispensable to our country."

If we look to God and read Scripture on a regular basis, we will understand how to do better.  I know lots of things didn't make sense to me before I began to study God's Word.  It was difficult to behave with integrity all the time.  It did not seem to be any fun to be Christian.  I know there are young people who believe, but don't want to take things too seriously yet because they will miss out on the party.

I hate to be a party pooper, but we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  That frightens me because there are folks I care about who still need to embrace Jesus as their savior.  The false prophets of this world, the idols we place in our lives, all take away from us our time, our morals and our heart.  It isn't a hardship to follow Jesus - it makes life joy-filled and fun.  The real party will be in Heaven.

Read Deuteronomy 13:1-5 here

Listen to a audio of Deuteronomy 13:1-5

A Party in Heaven - Revelation 7:9-12

“Amen! 
Praise and glory 
and wisdom and thanks and honor 
and power and strength 
be to our God for ever and ever. 
Amen!” (Revelation 7:12)

Returning from my first short term mission trip to Honduras over ten years ago, I was seated next to a man who told me had been in leadership of the Mormon church, but recently he stepped down, as he had some doubts.  He had started reading the Christian Bible and at this point in his life he wasn't sure about much of anything.  

I was new in my own 'relationship with Jesus Christ' and wanted to switch seats with a pastor, as I was sure he would be able to tell this seeker all about Jesus.  I shot up a quick prayer asking for wisdom and proceeded to talk with him.

He told me that one of his biggest obstacles to the Christian idea of heaven was the thought of standing around, singing and praising God all day and night. This sounded boring and he could not imagine himself doing this for eternity.  We talked the entire flight and at the end I asked if I could be praying for him and he agreed.

When I read from the book of Revelation I am reminded of a party in Heaven—a party God is throwing for all His people.  This party is reward for a job well done, and we, the recipients respond by offering praise and worship; perfect praise and worship. Sounds like fun to me!

To read the Scripture text for to click here.