URC Daily Devotion 3 March 2025

St Luke 15: 1 – 7

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.  And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable:  ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?  When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”  Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

Reflection

I have two roles in my life. First, I serve as a URC minister in the North West of England. Second, I work with motorcycle groups as part of a specialist ministry. This lets me connect with bikers who, except by divine providence, would likely never visit one of our churches.

We all have different roles in life. One role might be our spiritual or religious life, which I’m guessing is important to you since you’re reading this Daily Devotion! We also have other roles in our everyday lives, like our jobs, family responsibilities, or hobbies.

When we really think about this passage, it reminds us to represent Jesus in everything we do every day, particularly with life’s fragile and marginalised people. This isn’t just about Sunday church – it’s about how we live our whole lives. People learn about Christianity by watching us., Whether we like it or not, we are walking adverts for Jesus.

So wear your faith on your sleeve. Show it through gentleness and kindness. Be ready to share your faith when asked. Remember to share this warmth with everyone you meet – both friends and strangers who might never think of going to church. Who knows? Maybe your friendship, prayers and caring spirit might help someone journey closer to the God of love.

Prayer

Creator of all,
Your presence is like gentle rain.
Guide our eyes to seek You
in shadows others pass by,
in corners where hope seems dim,
in hearts that wait in silence.
Let us be Your vessels of light,
carrying Your endless love
to paths less traveled,
only to discover,
like dawn breaking over mountain,
You’ve been there all along
arms open, heart waiting,
in every space we dare to tread. Amen