Advent Devotional – December 19th, 2024
This is Thursday, December 19, 2024 and we are continuing our theme of Joy during this Advent season. Luke 15:6-7 provides a powerful illustration of God’s rejoicing over one sinner who repents.
In the parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who loses one of his 100 sheep. Instead of leaving the lost sheep behind, he searches for it until he finds it, and when he does, he rejoices with great joy. The shepherd’s friends and neighbors are invited to join in the celebration, and he says, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!” Luke 15:6. If you are reading this, you most likely have participated in this celebration as well.
This parable conveys the message that repentance is a cause for great joy in heaven. The lost sheep represents the sinner who has strayed from God’s path, but through repentance, they are restored to their rightful place. Jesus emphasizes that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance, Luke 15:7.
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ during Advent, we are reminded of the importance of repentance and forgiveness. Just as the shepherd searches for the lost sheep, God searches for us, seeking to restore us to a right relationship with Him. May we, like the shepherd, rejoice in the salvation of those who repent, and may our hearts be filled with joy and gratitude for God’s love and mercy.