Episode 1208
What If You're the One God Is Searching For? Rediscovering the Lost Sheep | Luke 15:1-7
The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the profound message encapsulated in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, as presented in the Gospel of Luke. Through a progressive lens, we examine the implications of Jesus' interactions with sinners and the subsequent discontent expressed by religious authorities. This narrative invites us to introspectively consider our own positions within this parable—whether we identify more with the lost sheep or the 99 who remain. We elucidate how grace is not contingent upon our efforts to seek redemption, but rather is characterized by the shepherd's relentless pursuit of the lost. As we engage with this text, we are encouraged to reach out to those who may feel overlooked or forgotten, thereby embodying the shepherd's compassionate spirit in our own lives.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
The discourse presented in this episode meticulously delves into the profound narratives encapsulated within the Gospel of Luke, particularly the parable of the Lost Sheep. The speaker, Dr. Brad Miller, articulates a progressive interpretation that invites listeners to reflect upon their roles within the parable. Initially, we are introduced to the scenario wherein Jesus is surrounded by individuals deemed sinners and tax collectors—those marginalized by religious authorities. This juxtaposition highlights a critical theme: the tension between societal acceptance and divine grace. The Pharisees, represented as the guardians of religious propriety, express discontent towards Jesus's association with those they consider unworthy. Through the lens of this parable, Dr. Miller elucidates the radical inclusivity of Jesus's ministry, prompting us to reassess our own positions. Are we, perhaps, more aligned with the 99 sheep—those who remain within the fold, yet may lack the understanding of grace's true essence? This inquiry compels us to examine our own perceptions of worthiness and belonging within the spiritual community.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the significance of the parable of the lost sheep, highlighting Jesus' inclusive nature.
- Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own positions within the story, considering whether they are the lost or the found.
- The shepherd's role is portrayed as proactive, emphasizing that grace is a gift that one does not earn.
- The hosts urge action by suggesting listeners reach out to those who may feel overlooked or lost in their lives.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The rating is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version Relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading.
Speaker B:Reading today from Luke 15, the gospel of Luke 15, verses 1 through 7 from the message the Story of the Lost Sheep by this time, a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently.
Speaker B:The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased.
Speaker B:Not at all pleased.
Speaker B:They growled.
Speaker B:He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.
Speaker B:Their grumbling triggered the story.
Speaker B:Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one.
Speaker B:Would you leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?
Speaker B:When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing.
Speaker B:And when you get home, call your friends and neighbors and say, celebrate with me.
Speaker B:I've lost my sheep and I found my lost sheep.
Speaker A:Count on it.
Speaker B:There's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over 99 good people in no need of rescue.
Speaker B:Well, this is just one of my favorite favorite parables, favorite stories from the Gospels, the Parable of the of the lost sheep.
Speaker B:And so let's just get into it.
Speaker B:Let's unpack it a little bit and learn a little bit about this with a couple of points to ponder.
Speaker B:Number one is this.
Speaker B:Notice who Jesus is eating with and who's complaining.
Speaker B:So in this passage, let's not miss the first couple verses, verses one and two, because that sets up this whole story.
Speaker B:It says the tax collectors and sinners were all gathered around to hear Jesus.
Speaker B:That's who he was eating with.
Speaker B:And the religious insiders, the Pharisees, the church police, as it were, are muttering.
Speaker B:You know, they're rumors, they're doing their things.
Speaker B:They say this man welcomes sinners and eats with Them scandalous.
Speaker B:That's a scandal.
Speaker B:The parable is Jesus's response to religious people being upset that he's eating with the wrong crowd.
Speaker B:A progressive reading of this test asks the question that's uncomfortable but necessary.
Speaker B:Which group are we in?
Speaker B:Because it's really easy to cast ourselves as the lost sheep in this story.
Speaker B:But what if we're actually among the 99?
Speaker B:What if we're among those ones standing around kind of muttering about, you know, Jesus and who he's welcoming to the table?
Speaker B:I think it's worth a little deeper reflection on our parts.
Speaker B:Jesus table has always been bigger than the religious establishment wanted it to be.
Speaker B:Still is today.
Speaker B:And if our theology makes us uncomfortable, when Jesus welcomes someone who wouldn't have welcomed, it's not a them problem.
Speaker B:That's a me problem, that's an us problem.
Speaker B:Point to pointer number two.
Speaker B:The shepherd goes the ship.
Speaker B:The sheep don't have to find their own way home because the shepherd goes to them.
Speaker B:I just love that imagery in this parable.
Speaker B:The sheep don't have to repent first.
Speaker B:The sheep don't.
Speaker B:Doesn't have to find its own way back.
Speaker B:The sheep doesn't need a map or a GPS to say the right prayer or to earn its way home.
Speaker B:The shepherd goes, the shepherd searches.
Speaker B:And when he finds the sheep, the shepherd carries so much of Christianity that we grow up, in many of us at least, salvation is kind of like a test that you got to pass.
Speaker B:You know, say the right words in the right order, the right rituals and so on, or else.
Speaker B:But Jesus paints a very different picture here.
Speaker B:Grace isn't something you earn your way toward.
Speaker B:It's someone who comes looking for you.
Speaker B:And listen, listen to verse five.
Speaker B:Says the shepherd joyfully puts it, the sheep on his shoulders, non angry, not with a lecture, not a wagging finger, not with conditions.
Speaker B:Joyfully.
Speaker B:God's posture toward the one who feels lost isn't disappointment, it's delight.
Speaker B:My folks, my cancer podcast, know that when you're.
Speaker B:When you're walking through a cancer diagnosis treatment, sometimes you feel pretty small and scared, alone.
Speaker B:And the last thing you need is somebody kind of keeping score about what's going on with you.
Speaker B:You need a shepherd who just kind of shows up.
Speaker B:You need.
Speaker B:Sometimes you need somebody just to carry you on their.
Speaker B:On their shoulders and carry you home.
Speaker B:And that's exactly who Jesus says God is.
Speaker B:And so if you're feeling kind of lost today, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, here, I just want you to hear this.
Speaker B:You don't have to Find your own way back.
Speaker B:But you just have to let yourself be found.
Speaker B:Here's your action step for today.
Speaker B:Reach out to someone that you kind of sense is lost.
Speaker B:Maybe someone who's kind of drifted away.
Speaker B:Maybe it's a family member.
Speaker B:Maybe it's somebody in your community, a coworker, somebody you're in church with.
Speaker B:Or maybe one of your friends, someone who somehow feels forgotten or overlooked.
Speaker B:And do something to make them feel seen and or heard.
Speaker B:Send a text, do a Facebook post, make a call, invite them out for a cup of coffee.
Speaker B:Don't preach, don't try to fix them.
Speaker B:Go find them.
Speaker B:That's what the shepherd, that's what the good shepherd did.
Speaker B:Go after them.
Speaker B:Let them know they're not forgotten.
Speaker B:That is your assignment.
Speaker B:We're going to come back and have a prayer here in just a minute.
Speaker B:Before we do, just want to know that an opportunity for you is to go over to our website, voiceofgoddaily.com and there we have for you a resource.
Speaker B:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B:It'll help you with your home daily Bible study.
Speaker B:Pick it up.
Speaker B:Let's pray.
Speaker B:God, thank you for being the shepherd who comes looking.
Speaker B:Help me to be found today and help me help someone else feel found too.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up.
Speaker A:It's created new every morning.
