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Separation Or Restoration?

by Wayne Cordeiro on October 02, 2020

Today's Reading:
Zechariah 13,14; Psalms 147; Luke 15

Today is Friday, October 2nd, 2020. 

Scripture

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” (Luke 15:1-2)

Observation

The Pharisees got angry when Jesus began to reach those whom the religious sector saw as undeserving and unwelcomed. To the Pharisaical mindset, these kinds of launchable guests were abominable. The preferred separation over restoration. But directly after this confrontation, Jesus launches a set of three stories, all with the lesson of restoration. A lost coin that was misplaced, a lost sheep that wandered, and a lost son that returned home. 

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him” (Luke 15:28).

Application

So often, we can behave like the Pharisees or the elder brother. But, Jesus offers the chance for reconciliation. God is a God of restoration, and we must rejoice when those who were lost are now found!  

I think in the end, we will all be measured not by what we’ve separated ourselves from, but what we will have given ourselves to! 

  • Jesus gave Himself to the hurting
  • He gave Himself to those caught in sin
  • He involved Himself in the life of a leper
  • He gave His life away for… “A sinner such as I!”

Prayer

Father, I am so grateful that You are a God of restoration! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here! Thank You for this reminder that I get to do the same.


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