CWW Week 3 - Day 6 - Repentance

Scripture

Luke 15:7 presents a profound truth about the heart of God:

 “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” This is a different take on our earlier scripture.

This is why we are all here together at Church Without Walls. It’s the realisation that we all matter to God. Jesus died  and rose again to redeem us all from the Pawn Shop of our lives. From the place where we gave away all that was truly important, to be sold off for our earthly survival.

Mandates and lockdowns have segregated and separated us from  community and family and each other and the pressure to conform against our liberty of conscience has driven us to despair.

But we are not and were never alone. We denied Jesus then because the burden of our past made us see ourselves as the great unwashed and the imperial system we live under made that perfectly clear. But Jesus doesn’t see us that way. To Him we are all so very precious. Remember His dying words? “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Repentance opens the door for those stigma to be washed away.

God’s joy over the repentance of a single sinner is immeasurable. It surpasses the joy over those who are already righteous and in right standing with Him. This reveals the heart of God, who longs for reconciliation with each person, regardless of their past or present condition. It underscores the value He places on every individual and His relentless pursuit of those who are lost.

Questions:

• How does knowing that God rejoices over the repentance of a single sinner impact your view of His love and grace?
• Reflect on a time when you experienced repentance and restoration in your own life. How did God’s joy manifest in that moment?
• In what ways can you actively participate in God’s mission to seek and save the lost, sharing in His joy over their repentance? 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Papa God. 

Thank You for Your boundless love and mercy towards us. We are humbled by Your joy over our repentance and Your relentless pursuit of our hearts. Help us to embrace the reality of Your love and to share in Your heart for the lost. Give us the courage and compassion to reach out to those who are far from You, knowing that Your joy over their repentance far surpasses any earthly joy. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Have a great day with Jesus.

Graham Hood