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devotion

The Good Shepherd: A Call to Return

Devotion: The Joy of Salvation

This devotion emphasizes God’s unwavering love and pursuit of those who feel lost, illustrated by a parable of a shepherd seeking a lost sheep. It encourages spiritual connection through prayer and sharing the gospel. A heartfelt invitation to accept Jesus and find solace in His embrace underscores the promise of salvation and belonging.

Bible Verse: Luke 15:4-7 (NIV)

“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.”

Reflection:

This passage shows how much God cares—portraying Him as a loving shepherd who always looks for those who are lost and never gives up on them, no matter what. It highlights God’s deep care for each of us and the joy in heaven when a single sinner decides to return to Him. Jesus is always ready to welcome us back, no matter how far we’ve wandered from the right path. Ultimately, this message serves as a reminder of the boundless grace and forgiveness available to all who seek Him!

Illustrative Story:

A young boy named Daniel was enjoying a day at the park when he strayed too far and found himself lost. A wave of panic washed over him as he realized he didn’t know how to return. Meanwhile, his father searched relentlessly, calling out his name at every turn. At last, Daniel caught the familiar sound of his father’s voice, and tears of relief filled his eyes as he dashed into his father’s warm embrace.

Like Daniel’s father, who never gave up searching for his son, God also pursues each of us with unwavering devotion. Regardless of how lost or broken we feel, His love is always present, inviting us to return to His comforting embrace. Each moment of doubt or despair is met with His gentle reminders that we are cherished and valued beyond measure. In this ceaseless pursuit, we find hope and the promise of a way back home.

Application:

When you feel lost or distant spiritually, remember that His constant love is always there to help you find your way home, no matter how far you think you’ve gone. Daily prayer can strengthen your relationship with the Lord and offer you wisdom and guidance during tough times. It’s vital to share the gospel with those facing struggles, as everyone deserves to feel God’s love and forgiveness. Sharing the gospel uplifts others and brings hope to those in need.

Evangelistic Challenge:

Are you feeling lost in this world, desperately searching for your true purpose, or perhaps longing for a sense of peace in your life? Jesus is waiting with open arms, calling you home to Him. He gave His life for your sins, defeated death by rising again, and now offers you a new life filled with hope and joy. Today is a great chance to experience salvation by opening your heart to Him and letting His love fill the emptiness inside you.

Altar Call:

Right now, Jesus is warmly inviting you to embrace Him and find solace in His arms. If you sense His gentle call beckoning you, I urge you not to dismiss it or turn away. The Good Shepherd is actively searching for you, eagerly awaiting the moment He can rejoice over your return to Him. So, take a step of faith and come to Him today, allowing His love to envelop you completely!

Salvation Prayer:

If you’re ready to accept Jesus as your Savior, pray this from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, I confessed that I have sinned and wandered away from You. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I turn to You, asking for forgiveness and surrendering my life to You. Please come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and guide me in Your truth. Thank You for loving me and for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to God’s family! Heaven is rejoicing over you. Find a Bible-believing church, grow in His Word, and seek fellowship with other believers. If you need guidance, I’d love to help. Reach out and let’s walk this journey together!

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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bible study devotion

Jesus Heals the Broken: A Call to Compassion

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Devotion:

Jesus emphasizes His mission to heal the spiritual “sick” rather than the self-righteous, as illustrated in Mark 2:17. He invites those burdened by sin to seek Him for redemption and encourages believers to extend compassion to the marginalized. The message underscores the importance of humility and outreach in sharing God’s love and grace with others.

Jesus Came for the Sick, Not the Righteous

Mark 2:17 (NIV):

“On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'”

Reflection:

In this passage from Mark, Jesus delivers a profound message about His purpose on Earth. The Pharisees were confused and critical when they observed Him dining with tax collectors and sinners. They believed that only those who were morally upright deserved closeness to God, while sinners and outcasts should be shunned. However, Jesus decisively challenges this notion. He asserts that it is the sick who require a doctor, not the healthy.

Essentially, He conveys, “I’m not here for those who believe they are flawless; I’m here for those who acknowledge their need for help.”

Jesus didn’t come for the proud, but to help those who are struggling and need support. The beauty of the Gospel is that Jesus loves us not for our perfection, but because we are flawed and need His redemption. He is the Great Physician, offering salvation and healing to all who recognize their spiritual ailments.

Application:

Recognize Our Need:

We must recognize that, much like the sinners Jesus engaged with, we all struggle with spiritual illness. Without Jesus, none of us can claim righteousness. In the Christian journey, pride has no place. Embracing humility is crucial in approaching Christ, recognizing our need for His grace and healing like everyone else.

Be Compassionate:

Jesus actively sought out those marginalized by society, not shying away from the “sick.” Similarly, we are called to extend compassion to those who are broken, lost, and estranged from God. Instead of passing judgment, we should embrace them with the love, grace, and truth found in the Gospel.

Extend an Invitation:

Jesus invites us to join Him in His divine mission to seek and save the lost. We should help those in need of healing and guide them towards a loving relationship with the Savior. Consider the individuals in your life who need to hear the transformative message of God’s love and forgiveness.

Illustrative Story:

In a charming little town, an elderly woman named Mrs. Thompson lived in isolation. Her once-bright home had deteriorated, mirroring her neglected spirit. The townspeople avoided her because of her stern demeanor and troubled history. However, one day, a compassionate new pastor, aware of her plight, felt compelled to reach out. When he knocked on her door, he discovered her alone in a chaotic, dimly lit room. Instead of passing judgment, he listened with empathy, sharing the boundless love of Christ and the promise of forgiveness.

Over the months, the pastor regularly visited Mrs. Thompson, providing her with prayer, support, and encouragement from the Gospel. Slowly, her heart began to soften. She accepted Christ’s invitation to healing, recognizing her profound need for His forgiveness. Through God’s grace, she underwent a remarkable transformation, rising above her former struggles.

The pastor viewed Mrs. Thompson not as a “lost cause” but as a valuable soul in need of healing, cherished deeply by Jesus.

Evangelistic Challenge:

Jesus came to reach out to sinners, not the righteous. Are you ready to follow His example and extend a hand to those longing for His healing touch? Take a moment today to think about someone in your life who may feel lonely, rejected, or broken. Have they experienced the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers? We often overlook the fact that many around us are in need of healing, even if they don’t know where to seek it.

Let’s embody the hands and feet of Jesus by sharing His invitation with others. Encourage them to embrace His grace. Jesus has entrusted us with the Great Commission to make disciples. Don’t wait for others to come to church—take the initiative and go to them, just as Jesus did with those in need.

Altar Call:

If you’ve been avoiding God or feeling unworthy of love, remember that Jesus is reaching out to you today. He came for you, just as you are. There’s no need to tidy yourself up before approaching Him—His grace is abundant, and His love knows no bounds. He stands ready to mend your wounds and transform your life. Will you respond to His call?

If you’re ready to surrender your life to Jesus and embrace His healing touch, please pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I recognize my brokenness and my need for Your forgiveness. I know that I cannot heal myself, but I believe You came for people like me. I invite You into my heart as my Savior. I place my trust in Your love and grace to change my life. Thank You for extending healing and salvation to me. In Your name, Amen.


If you said this prayer, you are born again into the kingdom of God. Join a local Bible believing Christian Church and tell the pastor about your decision.

Dr Andrew C S Koh