Ending

Re:Verse passage – Luke 15:11-24 (day three)

“And they began to celebrate.”

There are two types of people in the world: the cynics who like Ecclesiastes, and the optimists who like Ruth. I’m kidding. Or am I? This parable has something for all comers, fortunately. Wherever you find yourself on the life spectrum – world-weary or hopeful – has Jesus got a story for you. The wow factor here, when you consider that Jesus isn’t talking about rainbows and unicorns, but about the God who actually exists, is overwhelming. But when you linger on that last phrase – “they began to celebrate” – the atmosphere grows heavy as foreboding clouds seem to move in. You could stop there (and our assigned text indeed does) but if you can proceed, you’ll discover unfathomable sorrow as Jesus reveals how the heart of God is wrenched by all who will not rejoice with him.

Author: Bryan Richardson

Bryan Richardson is the Associate Pastor for Counseling and Pastoral Ministries at FBCSA.

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