"The Heart of God"

Luke 15 "Parables on the Heart of God"

Jesus told parables that countered out confused picture of God the Father. In three of these parables, Jesus dealt with our inclination to focus more on our guilt than on God's grace.

"The Parable of the Lost Sheep" (Luke 15:1-7)

It reveals that in the heart of God "No one is Unimportant." God is never so preoccupied with "saved" people that He is unconcerned about the one who is at risk. Instead, he will leave the 99 and go find that one sheep. When found, He carries that sheep back to the fold.

In one major way, this is our reason for Praise and Worship. We have a Savior, a Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, who cares so much about us, He reaches out continually to bring us in. WE have a great need to understand that we are each and every one, a precious sheep in His eyes!

Notice close, "And when he finds it, he JOYFULLY puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors and says, 'Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep." There is in no way an attitude of exclusiveness in God's heart. In other words, when others will not reach out, He will. When love is in short supply, His is full. There is great joy in God's heart, as there is great joy in heaven, each time a lost sheep is found.

Yes, this speaks of sinners, turning from their way, and coming to the Lord. But, also, this is sheep who already are in the fold, and wander off, slip and slide on the roadside, and are led astray by some circumstance or situtaion. His heart rejoices over the fact, we are IMPORTANT and the fact that we are FOUND. We are never "unimportant."

"The Parable of the Lost Coin" (Luke 15:8-10)

Here, we learn and see God's glad anticipation of being "REUNITED" in a working partnership with us. We need to learn that the reason for the woman's eagerness to find the lost coin is that it was on the order of an engagement ring, a part of a set of 10 coins woven together as a necklace at her wedding. That coin, speaks of her value to her husband. Who she is in his eyes.
It also, speaks the same from her father, in the same way.

Note close, the significance is that often, shamed by our sin, we may run and hide from God, oblivious to His love but also unaware that He sees us as desirable, needed to complete a set. He has plans that include us, and without us, His plan is crippled. The rejoicing, is because we are desired and valued by the Father's heart.

"The Parable of the Lost Son" (Luke 15:11-24)

Here we see God's plans for "Complete Restoration." This is a glimpse into God's heart, revealing a Father who is WAITING for the son's return. He does not make the son grovel at his feet, does not half heartedly accept the son's approach, and he does not hold him at an arm's length to test him for sincerity. Instead, he gives a warm, glad and immediate embrace, the best robe, gold ring, sandals and a jubilant "welcome home" party.

The heart of the Father is this, Glad and rejoicing that you are home!

Here are three reasons for our need of Praise and Worship. Three reasons that show His love and care, as well as His concern for us personally! You are greatly loved! You are desired!
You are Needed! God's heart is about each and everyone of us individually, and includes us into His plans. You are the apple of His eye!