Sharing Scripture — January 18, 2025

Texts: Luke 15:11–32; Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 5:25–28; Isaiah 43:4; Romans 5:8, 8:1; Mark 9:17–29

Only twelve seconds remained when Fighting Irish placekicker Mitch Jeter took the field to attempt breaking the tie and clenching Orange Bowl victory.

Not only the stats loomed over Jeter, but so did his regular season performance. The collegiate athlete had suffered from hip and groin injuries during the season, possibly contributing to him missing four of his last five attempts before entering the playoffs.

His father Andrew, a chiropractor, helped him work through his injuries.

Now, as Jeter faced down his goliath, Andrew calmly and proudly stood in the stands, his phone’s camera capturing the make-or-break moment.

Jeter’s kick passed through the uprights and the crowd went wild. And then Andrew’s calm demeanor cracked, giving way to jubilation, much in the same way the Godhead and the angels rejoice when we repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior (Zephaniah 3:17, Luke 15:7, 10).

In fact, our repentance is such a victory worth celebrating that Jesus speaks parable after parable – many recorded in Luke 15 – about the Godhead’s delight in our salvation. And in these parables He evidences that we are more valuable than we can even imagine. So valuable, in fact, that Christ died on a cross for each of us.

Accepting Christ’s offer of salvation, repenting of our sins, and coming to God in faith, no matter how small (Matthew 17:18-20), will reshape and refocus our hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Transformed, we begin exhibiting the character of Christ, acting with love and compassion toward others, spreading the joy of sweet, sweet victory.

 

For Reflection

Sharing: God offers the free gift of salvation. When we truly receive it, we want to share it with others. How do you think giving and receiving will work in the New Jerusalem?

1. Salvation’s accomplished, so there’s no need to spread the gospel; But in the new economy, God’s children will conduct business with a bartering system
2. There will be no need to give anything; everything will be provided by God
3. We will continually give praise to God and receive God’s blessings
4. We will encourage our neighbors and receive encouragement from them as well
5. Everyone will work together as a unit; helping each other = helping oneself (Ephesians 5:25-28)
6. Other:

Applying: Pray and brainstorm for Spirit-inspired ways you can explain God’s delight in and love for someone who grew up without loving parents or guardians.

~ Stefani Leeper

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As we pray for healing, peace, and hope for the victims and frontline workers of the Los Angeles wildfires, let us continue requesting divine guidance for those negotiating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. May the fires and violence cease, and those afflicted come together, rebuilding on the firm foundation that is Jesus Christ. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. [Psalm 46:1-5, 7 KJV]   Stefani Leeper | Content Coordinator Image copyright: Bigstock

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