The Emotion of Found

Introduction

God is a seeking God

God is an emotional God

The Scripture reminds us that God can be angry, sad, kind, compassionate, jealous

In all His emotions He is perfect.

When we were outside His Kingdom—lost in our sin—He grieved over our spiritual suffering, and His love and passion was to reach out and invite us into relationship with Him.

The Scripture reminded the reader that God chases after the lost, seeks to restore the sinner, and desires to pour out His blessings.

Jesus the Christ, demonstrated these attributes by healing people, loving people, and teaching people the truths of the Kingdom of God.

But it was the religious leaders of His day that grumbled and complained that Jesus would reach out to the sinner.

So Jesus described Kingdom Truth through two parables that I want to read to you this morning.

Luke 15:3-10.

Text

Luke 15:3–10 ESV

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 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. 8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Transition

There cannot be any doubt that God is filled with joy, heaven is filled with joy, and the angels are filled with joy when lost people our found and come into relationship with God.

Illustration: Church in Granite City. A billboard that states: “We exist to make God smile.”

God rejoices over you! (Isa 62:5)

Isaiah 62:5 ESV

5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

You are special to the Lord.

God rejoices over your goodness! (Jer 32:41)

Jeremiah 32:41 ESV

41 I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.

Holiness, righteousness, doing good to others brings joy to God.

God rejoices over your repentance! (Eze 18:23)

Ezekiel 18:23 ESV

23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

When a person turns from sin and self and sets their journey toward God, it brings Him joy.

We rejoice over reconciliation with God! (Rom 5:11, Neh 8:9-10)

Romans 5:11 ESV

11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Joy comes in our lives when we are reconciled to God.

Joy comes in our lives when others are reconciled to God.

We rejoice over God’s help! (Ps 28:7)

Psalm 28:7 ESV

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

When God helps us, heals us, brings victory and peace in our lives—we rejoice.

We rejoice over God’s reign! (1 Chron 16:31)

1 Chronicles 16:31 ESV

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

Ultimately, we live and bask in joy because God rules and reigns!

Conclusion

Do you want to make God smile?

Do you want to experience true joy in your life?

Repent

Live by faith and do good.

Know that one day you will be in heaven - where joy is a profoundly experienced emotion.