4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
This short illustration was in response to the criticism Jesus was getting from the scribes and Pharisees over His investment of time and ministry into sinners and tax-collectors. He was asking: "What is it that excites God and His angels in heaven?" Answer: to see a repentant sinner come to faith. That is the heartbeat of God, and ought to be the heartbeat of His Children, followers of Christ - the church. There are so many other things we find ourselves stress over, invest in, and get excited about. It is easy for us to lose our perspective and fail to go where Jesus wants us to go and do what He wants us to do. May God reset our focus today.
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