SEPTEMBER 21 Thurs.

The Shepherd Who Finds the Lost Sheep

Luke 15:1-10 / I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (7)

Hymn #323 Call'd of God, We Honor the Call (Unified Hymn 355)

Although Jesus Himself didn't write a single book, there are more books about Jesus than any other figure on earth. Peter and the disciples saw the suffering that Jesus left behind as eternal blessings. In the end, the Jewish people who've received the most amount of Nobel Prizes; possess the kibbutz mindset; and have the most outstanding knowledge eventually perished because they denied Christ. Rome, which, at the time, conquered the world, created tremendous problems and was destroyed. The posterity of Israel was scattered as slaves, captives, and a wandering people. During His public ministry, Jesus explained those reasons to His disciples. The Pharisees criticized the tax collectors who came to hear Jesus speak. At that time, tax collectors were treated as sinners. In fact, they were under the responsibility of the state; the church that had lost hold of the Gospel; and leaders and believers who didn't even know why problems came. Jesus gave three points that made suffering an eternal blessing.

1. The Fundamental Problem and the Answer
Jesus had a different way of looking at problems. Although the Pharisees called tax collectors who were dying in hardships sinners, Jesus said that they were lost sheep that didn't have the correct Gospel. Also, Jesus' perspective that gave answers was different. He told the parables of "The Lost Sheep," "The Lost Coin," and "The Prodigal Son" to His disciples then told them to give the correct Gospel.

2. The Fundamental Mission
Although the Jewish people were visibly victorious, they failed miserably regarding what couldn't be seen. Satan had conquered people through the twelve strategies of the Nephilim. That's why God's Kingdom and the throne that Jesus spoke of were the answers.

3. Suffering That Restores the Fundamental Blessing
Jesus' suffering on Calvary was the start of solving all spiritual problems. For those who are in Christ, suffering is an eternal blessing. Through His excruciating pain and misery on the cross, Jesus restored eternal blessings.

Even though he didn't see Jesus, Paul was the one who received greater answers. You, too, can receive the same answers as Paul. When God's Kingdom and the answer of the Mt. of Olives are restored, the works of "re-creation" of Mark's upper room will arise.

Gospel Memory Verse [John 16:24]
Bible Reading [Philippians 2:12~18]

[Covenantal Prayer] Dear God, please grant me both the correct Gospel and perspective. Help me not to become a Pharisee who possesses all skills yet becomes ruined. In order for me not to place the posterity within destruction, help me grab hold of the accurate covenant. Help me save today's "Rome," which has tremendous power, from destroying the world. Starting today, help me start this prayer throughout the week. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.