Luke 15:8-10
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Recall the story of the shepherd who leaves the 99 to search for the one wandering sheep (Luke 15:3-7). Then read Luke 15:8-10 imagining Jesus speaking these words.
There could be a number of reasons the woman in Jesus’ parable was so distraught over the loss of the coin. The coin was valuable – equivalent to a day’s wages – and it was possibly part of the woman’s headdress identifying her as a married woman. But the point of this parable is that the coin simply could not stay lost. The woman was determined to have it back and was willing to go to great lengths to find it.
Think back to the time when you began to want know God better. Then consider the fact that God’s own Holy Spirit was searching for you before you even realized you needed God.
Sit with this thought for a while as you listen to Jesus.
Read Luke 15:8-10 again recognizing that the desperation and determination of the woman reflect God’s heart for you.
The woman in the parable doesn’t just find the coin and move on with her life; she invites her friends and neighbors to share in her joy. And Jesus says that a joyous celebration breaks out among the angels whenever God finds and recovers a person who has lost their way.
Take a moment to imagine an angelic celebration erupting in the heavenly realms. As you visualize this scene, picture yourself at the center of the celebration. Then imagine Jesus welcoming you with open arms.
This is a picture of what happened when you were found by God.
For the final moments of this time of reflection, sit with these thoughts and tell Jesus what you are thinking and feeling. Then get quiet to see if Jesus has anything he wants to say to you.
What might Jesus want you to realize or do today?
How do you plan to respond to that?
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