THE PRICE TAG OF SALVATION: Devotion for Tuesday July 26, 2016

THE PRICE TAG OF SALVATION: Devotion for Tuesday July 26, 2016

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10                        

Memory verse: Luke 15:4 -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?

The two parables were given by Jesus to answer the question posted by the Pharisees and Scribes in 15:2. The tag of salvation is likened to the sacrifice of the shepherd dutifully and diligently looking for his lost sheep and the woman looking for the lost coin. The lost sheep represents the sinner as departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not brought back to Him, yet not desirous to return. Jesus Christ is earnest in bringing sinners home. In the parable of the lost piece of silver, that which is lost is one piece, of small value compared with the rest. Yet the woman seeks diligently till she finds it. This represents the various means and methods God makes use of, to bring lost souls home and His joy on their return to Him. How careful then should we be that we do not take our repentance for granted! Unfortunately, most of us are yet to understand that it cost God so much to save which should elicit more commitment from us to His service.

God’s love for each individual is so great that He seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is found. Jesus associated with sinners because he wanted to bring the lost sheep; people considered beyond hope to the God’s Kingdom. Just as the shepherd took the initiative to go out and find the sheep, so Jesus actively seeks lost souls. These tax collectors and sinners (15:1) with whom Jesus was associating were like sheep that had strayed away from God and needed to be returned. More than that, they needed the salvation that Jesus offered. We that are saved should also endeavour to bring others to know God too.

Action: As you go into the world today, endeavour to share the gospel with anyone that needs salvation and don’t stay this day without sharing your faith with someone.

Prayer: God, you paid the price to save me. Help me to live my life according to your will so that the sacrifice of saving me will not be in vain and grant me the grace to share the good news of salvation with people always in Jesus name.