Reckless Love

Luke 15:1-7 (MSG)

The Story of the Lost Sheep

15 1-3 By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story.

4-7 “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.

Music speaks to me. It is one of my favorite ways to connect with God. I love that God created such a beautiful way to worship and communicate with Him. One song that stirred my heart the very first time I heard it was, "Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury. This song continues to stir my heart every time I hear it.

"Reckless" isn't a word that I typically associate with my Lord and Savior. I mean, God is exact and has a perfect plan in place for each person's life. That doesn't sound reckless! But Jesus....oh Jesus...the world looked at him and thought he was terribly reckless! He bypassed cultural norms of his day all the time! He reached out to the people that his society cast aside! He chose to surround himself with those others would not associate with. From a worldly perspective, this was terribly reckless! How could he possibly build a reputable ministry with these actions? Jesus made it clear, this was not his goal.

Jesus showed us time and time again that he came to love everyone, to offer grace to everyone, to offer forgiveness to everyone, to invite everyone to join his Kingdom. This is God's true plan: that everyone would be reconciled to God and live in harmony with God. What a beautiful picture. In order to accomplish this goal, Jesus had to be radically different than the other religious leaders around him. He had to love in "reckless" ways. Jesus is still doing this today!

I am so thankful that God pursued me with a "reckless" love! I am so thankful that God tore down the lies that society had built around me. I am so thankful that God called me and loves me and has forgiven me! Can you hear God calling you? If you are lost and still wandering the hills searching for truth and love and acceptance, you need to know that Jesus has left the flock of sheep and is pursuing you! He is calling your name. He wants to rescue you and to save you. There is nothing like the feeling of being scooped up and placed

on the Savior's shoulders to be carried to safety! Accept His hand of "reckless" love and your life will forever be changed!