Luke 15.  Once again, Jesus is being called to task because of the people he chooses to hang around. One can hear the low growl in the voices of those Pharisees and scribes as they spit out “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (2). So Jesus tells a few more stories. In each of the parables there is a pattern: something or someone is lost, then found, then there is a celebration. Why be an evangelical? Why focus on winning the lost to Christ? The thing that brings joy to the Father’s heart is the rescue of the lost son.  Search now. Celebrate later.

LORD, may we share your joy by seeking the lost and bringing them back to you.