God's Heart for the One: A Call to Action

Devotional

Day 1: God's Pursuit of the Individual

God's love for each person is a relentless force that does not rest until the lost are found. This love is not a passive or general affection; it is an active, searching love that seeks out the one who has strayed. The parable of the lost sheep is a vivid demonstration of this truth, showing that God values each individual immensely. In a world where people can often feel overlooked or insignificant, this message is a profound reminder that everyone is seen and cherished by the Creator. The love that God has for each person is not only a comfort but also a model for how believers are to love others—seeking out the lost and valuing each person as a unique creation of God. [16:14]

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10 ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might be feeling lost or overlooked that you can reach out to with God's love this week?

Day 2: The Uniqueness of Every Story

Every individual's story is known and valued by God. He is intimately acquainted with each person, and this personal knowledge underscores the unique attention He gives to everyone. In a society where people are often reduced to statistics or treated as part of a crowd, the truth that God knows and loves each person as a distinct individual is both comforting and challenging. It calls believers to recognize the worth of every person they encounter and to engage with them with the same level of individual attention and care. This approach to relationships can transform how one interacts with others, fostering a sense of worth and significance in every interaction. [32:15]

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God." (Luke 12:6 ESV)

Reflection: How can you show someone that they are uniquely seen and valued by God today?

Day 3: Rejoicing Over Repentance

The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents is greater than any earthly celebration. This heavenly rejoicing is a powerful image that should inspire the church to similarly celebrate each individual's spiritual transformation. The value placed on a single life's redemption is immense, and it is a call to recognize the significance of every person's journey to faith. This perspective can shift the focus from numbers and statistics to the importance of each soul, encouraging believers to invest in the lives of others with the understanding that every effort has eternal implications. [32:57]

"Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:7 ESV)

Reflection: How can you participate in the celebration of someone's journey towards faith this week?

Day 4: Serving One at a Time

The mission of the church is to reach the world by serving one person at a time, reflecting God's heart for the individual. This approach ensures that no one is overlooked and that each person is given the attention and care they deserve. Personal, hands-on ministry is a powerful way to live out the gospel, as it aligns with the way Jesus ministered to those around Him. By focusing on the one, believers can make a significant impact in the lives of others, demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ in tangible ways. [34:11]

"And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" (Matthew 25:40 ESV)

Reflection: What is one act of personal ministry you can commit to this week to serve someone in your community?

Day 5: Valuing the One Over the Many

God's economy values the one over the many, a perspective that challenges worldly values and priorities. The parable of the lost sheep shows that God's focus is on the individual, not just the collective. This understanding should shape how believers view and interact with others, leading them to care deeply for each person they meet. By adopting this divine perspective, one can live out a faith that prioritizes the needs and value of the individual, reflecting the heart of God in a world that often prioritizes the majority. [19:01]

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26 ESV)

Reflection: How can you adjust your priorities to better reflect God's value of the individual in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we delved into the profound truth that God has a heart for the one. This truth is not merely a theological concept but a reality that shapes our understanding of God's nature and His mission for us as believers. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 vividly illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the one who is lost. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one missing sheep, demonstrating that every individual is of immense value to God. This parable is a call to action for the church to align with God's heart, to prioritize the lost, and to celebrate each person's return to the fold with heavenly rejoicing.

We are reminded that God's love is not abstract or distant; it is personal and intimate. He knows each of us by name, and our stories matter deeply to Him. Our individual journeys, with all their pain and triumph, are significant to God. He is not a God of the masses but of the individual, counting each one of us with precision and care. This understanding compels us to reach out to others with the same intentionality, recognizing that every act of service, every prayer, and every gesture of love has eternal significance.

The message today also highlighted the importance of community and connection within the church. We are called to belong, to believe, and to build our lives upon the unshakeable foundation of Christ. The church is not just a gathering of individuals but a family where everyone is known, loved, and valued. It is a place where we can share our stories and find healing, purpose, and direction.

In conclusion, the heart of God for the one is a powerful reminder of the value He places on each person. It challenges us to live with a similar focus, to seek out the lost, and to celebrate every soul that comes home. As we embrace this truth, we become more like Jesus, reflecting His love and compassion to a world in need.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 15:1-7 (NIV) — > Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

2. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
> But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

3. John 3:16 (NIV)
> For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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Observation Questions

What actions does the shepherd take when he realizes one sheep is missing? (Luke 15:4-5)
How does the shepherd react upon finding the lost sheep? (Luke 15:5-6)
According to Romans 5:8, what does God’s love for us look like?
What is the significance of the phrase "more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents" in Luke 15:7? [16:56]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to spend time with tax collectors and sinners, despite the Pharisees' disapproval? [12:51]
How does the parable of the lost sheep illustrate God's heart for the individual? [15:15]
In what ways does Romans 5:8 deepen our understanding of God's love for us, even when we are far from Him?
How does the concept of rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents challenge our perspective on the value of individual salvation? [16:56]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt like the lost sheep. How did you experience God's pursuit and love during that period? [15:15]
How can you adopt the same fervent love for the lost that the shepherd demonstrates in the parable? What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone who feels lost? [16:14]
In what ways can you make sure that every person in your church community feels known, loved, and valued? [04:34]
How can you celebrate the spiritual transformation of individuals in your community, mirroring the rejoicing in heaven? [16:56]
Think of someone in your life who might feel like just another number. How can you show them that they are a one-of-a-kind creation deeply loved by God? [22:48]
How can you contribute to your church's mission of reaching the whole world by serving one person at a time? What specific actions can you take this week? [34:11]
Reflect on the statement, "God counts by ones." How does this perspective shape your values and priorities in your daily interactions? [21:36]

Sermon Clips

- "The Heart Of God for one person is beyond what at times we can imagine." [29:38]

- "Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God because it matters to God, it matters to us." [23:21]

- "God reserves Heaven's loudest noise for when one repents and believes." [32:57]

- "We reach the whole world by serving one person at a time. This approach aligns with God's heart for the one and ensures that no one is overlooked or undervalued." [34:11]

- "Jesus counts by one so the Bible tells us that the shepherd goes and looks for it and he looks until he finds it." [27:24]

- "You're never too lost that God cannot find you. You're one of one, there's nobody like you." [32:15]

- "Thank God for a church that still has a passion and a heart and a value for one." [20:12]

- "When you're the one, you're glad that God counts by one." [21:36]

- "Five minutes and $5 can make a difference. It's not about the amount, but the heart behind it." [36:44]

- "The shepherd who cares about the one is Jesus who cares about the one because one matters." [27:24]

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