A sheep, a coin... a son. Jesus wants us to feel heaven's joy - His joy - when one lost soul repents and believes in Him. Consider the return of a son after his period of rebellion and 'freedom' from his family... if sibling rivalry was ever a thing, this might be it. The older son was responsible and obedient, so what gives?

Jesus lays out how he pursues lost people and also his heart for those who wait for them. We see a couple of examples here in Luke - a lost sheep, highly valued by it's shepherd and a lost coin, a woman's significant asset. But the joy is really not about the item's recovery... would life go on if the sheep or the coin weren't recovered? Yes, and that's the very reason why the third example of the lost son hits a bit differently - its personal. Jesus wants us to feel heaven's joy when one lost soul - one human person - repents and follows Him. The younger son who chose to wander and squander in the far country made a mess of his life for sure, but what a beautiful image of repentance and forgiveness between father and son and ultimately our Heavenly Father and his children.

Grandparents can serve a very special purpose in the lives of their grandchildren. Cheerleader, confidant, instigator and participant in all things FUN... but most importantly, prayer warriors. Praying for your grandchildren - that they would make good choices, follow the Lord in their hearts and lives and grow in the truth and knowledge of God - is so important. Building a godly legacy should be a grandparent's highest goal and honor.