Lost and Found – Part 4

June 25, 2026

Broadcast

                        Lost and Found - Part 4
                             Luke 15:7,10
                              06/25/2026


        7    Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in
             heaven over one sinner who repents than over
             ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
             repentance.
        10   Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the
             angels of God over one sinner who repents.''
             (ESV)

        Our prayer this week asks God to keep us in His care, to
   keep us from straying from the flock, to always be in His
   possession.
        O God, the protector of all who trust in You, without
        whom nothing is strong and nothing is holy, multiply
        Your mercy on us that, with You as our ruler and guide,
        we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not
        the things eternal.


        In the two parables this week, the Lost Sheep and the Lost
   Coin, the result is the same.  That which was lost was found.
   What is the result?
        [Jesus said:] ``Just so, I tell you, there will be more
        joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over
        ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
        ...  Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the
        angels of God over one sinner who repents.''


        As we look at ourselves, there are things we have done which
   we do not want to admit in public.  If we try to live the lie
   that we are perfect, we cause ourselves all sorts of problems,
   all sorts of unhappiness.  Yet, as we confess our sin, as we are
   truly sorry for our sin, all the angels in heaven rejoice.  Saint
   John the Evangelist wrote: ``If we say we have no sin, we deceive
   ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins,
   he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
   from all unrighteousness.''[1]

        May our Lord continue to find those who have strayed, that
   they may repent and know the joy of His mercy.  Amen.
   ____________________

   1. 1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)