Daily Readings - Fri Jun 28 2019
Ezekiel
11For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.12As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.13And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.14I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.15I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.16I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
Romans
5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Luke
3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound theme of God's boundless love and His unwavering commitment to seeking the lost. In Ezekiel, we encounter God as the shepherd who leaves no sheep behind, emphasizing His care and hope for those who have strayed. This prophecy highlights God's promise to gather His scattered people, offering them rest and nourishment on fertile pastures, symbolizing His eternal care.
The Romans passage deepens this message by illustrating the sacrifice of Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners. This unconditional love underscores the depth of God's mercy and the reconciliation He offers. Through Christ's life, we are not only saved from wrath but also brought into a loving relationship with God, a truth that brings us joy and glory.
Luke's parable of the lost sheep personalizes this narrative, showing that each individual is precious to God. The shepherd's joy in finding the lost sheep mirrors the celebration in heaven over one sinner's repentance. This parable encourages us to seek the lost and to find joy in their return, reflecting God's own heart.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embody God's love. We are urged to seek those who are lost, whether through prayer, kindness, or compassion. Let us appreciate the depth of God's love for us and find joy in the opportunity to bring others closer to Him. May we reflect God's heart by being shepherds to one another, celebrating each return to faith with the same joy as heaven itself.