Everyone puts their hope in something or someone. For some it can be a relationship or a job. For some it is good looks or money. So what do you put your hope in?
You will know the answer to that question when the object of your hope – the light at the end of your tunnel – disappears.
The next question usually is “Where is God?”
Where is God when your personal life falls apart, or your health declines, or you lose your perfect job?
Jesus answers that question in three parables He tells in Luke 15. He is speaking to judgmental, religious people who look down their noses at Him for hanging out with the outcasts of society, the moral failures, the hopeless.
Jesus tells stories about a lost sheep, a lost coin, a lost son – and when they are found there is great celebration.
What’s the message? God values you. God is seeking you, longing for you, drawing you to Himself. And God – all of heaven in fact – celebrates when you turn to Him out of your hopelessness.
Like the shepherd He says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep” (Luke 15:6).
Like the woman He says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin” (Luke 15:9).
And like the father, He says, “We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother … was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’” (Luke 15:32).
That’s where our hope lies … in the heart of God who loves us, searches for us, and waits for us. No matter how dumb we’ve been or how unlucky, selfish, or stubborn.
If you’re at rock bottom today, look up. The Father is watching for you. Jesus offers hope to people like you and me.
To learn more about the hope Jesus provides, check out the series Jesus Offers Hope.
Written By
Chip Ingram
Founder & Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge
Chip Ingram is the CEO and teaching pastor of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip has a unique ability to communicate truth and challenge people to live out their faith. He is the author of many books, including The Real God, Culture Shock and The Real Heaven. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
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