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Bible Reading Plan

Reading Plan: Matthew 18:15-20

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

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Daily Devotional: Celebrate Being Found

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

Luke 15:20-23

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent”.

Luke 15:7

We went to Disney World when my children were nine, seven, and five years old. We told them that if they were separated from us in the crowd, they should stand still and not move. We promised to trace our steps back and find them. We anticipated an error and had a plan in place. My seven-year-old became distracted by colors and sounds and was engulfed by the crowd. My husband and I stopped. Within two minutes, I found him. He was rigid, standing tall, and ignoring everyone who tried to talk to him. I scooped him up and hugged him tight. We celebrated that he followed directions, that we were reunited, the family was whole again, and he was safe. 

The father in today’s scripture was all about his relationship with his son. He was living in the moment, overjoyed that they were reunited. I think it is very important to notice that he forgave, before his son even asked for forgiveness—he threw his arms around his son first, and then the son said, “I have sinned against you.”

Our Father in heaven has a plan for humanity for when we go astray. He rejoices over every repentant sinner because reconciliation is most important. God has already forgiven us through Christ’s death on the cross, where he took the sins of the world upon His sinless self to pay the penalty. We have to accept the gift of forgiveness by admitting our sin to God and ourselves. Then there is rejoicing in heaven because God has reconciled us to Himself. 

The fear I experienced at realizing my son was lost had my heart racing and my palms sweating instantly. Overwhelming relief and joy flooded over me immediately upon seeing him. Be assured, God is not surprised by your sin. He is reaching out to you. He throws a party in heaven when you come home spiritually. Celebrate that you followed directions, you are back with family and safe.

Next Steps

Do you remember a time when you were separated from the group? The feeling of being lost is horrible. Oddly, many people do not even know they are lost without Christ. Be on alert for people in crisis because they could be receptive to the message about being found. Celebrate if you have given your life to Christ because He is ecstatic to be in relationship with you.