Today’s short story (Luke 19:1-10) reveals once more the heart of God to seek and save the lost. There is so much to learn from this text. There is a lesson on God’s heart of love. There is a lesson that Jesus knows and seeks out individual sinners and calls them by name. There is a lesson on what actually saves a person, faith or works? As we open our hearts to God’s word, we continue to learn so much about His love and grace towards us.

Unfortunately, so many love to read into this text their own brand of theology. On one side we have those who preach that man must seek and find God. On the other hand, we have those who preach that God is the one Who seeks and finds man. Which is true? If you read the Bible with an open heart and mind you see the answer is, both are true. Sometimes religious people make more trouble for themselves because they claim they know and understand things that really can’t fully be known and understood.

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”” (Matthew 11:25–30, NLT)

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9, NLT)

This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3–4, NLT)

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

(Luke 19:10, NLT)

Have you had a life-changing encounter with the sinner seeking Savior?

If not, I pray you do.

Pastor Mike