28th Mar 26 | 12:21
Studies by Book
Luke 15 1-7 To seek and to save the lost - part I The lost sheep 09 Perfected by His grace
📖 Luke 15:1-7
31Jan2020 - *Perfected by His grace* - _Luke 15:1-7_ Bible reading: _II Corinthians 12:7-10_
_Luke 15:4-5 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? (5) And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing._
We have titled the 15th chapter of Luke as *To seek and to save the lost*. This is the heart of God and this is how our heart needs to be too. The Lord was deeply concerned for the Pharisees and the Scribes for they were not in tune with the heart of God, which is to seek and the save the lost. He is God, who seeks us, finds us and carries us.
If this is who our God is, then we need to stay rested in Him. _I Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you._
Apostle Paul gives us some powerful insights as we meditate on this truth. _II Corinthians 12:7-8 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. (8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me._ Paul had received great revelations from God and in order to guard him from becoming proud, God gave him a thorn in the flesh. Paul pleaded with God to take away this crisis but God taught Paul another deeper truth through this experience.
II Corinthians 12:9-10 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong._
Paul, understood the definition of grace, which is divine enablement. Through God’ grace we are being perfected. Isn’t that the Christian journey, ‘being made perfect’? So, Paul then takes us to the next level, where he tells us, “I will not complain or groan about the thorn in the flesh that I have but I will rather embrace my infirmities and distresses for when I am weak then I am strong, in Jesus”. Friends, this is where we need to be.
God also is afflicted with us in our afflictions. This is how He pours His grace on us for He is not distant from our suffering but He suffers with us and thus empowers us with His grace. _Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old._
God then commissions us with the same task in which He is engaged. _Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (2) Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ._
*Thought to ponder*
```The Pharisees did not understand or fulfil their task, which was to seek and to save the lost. Are you?```