“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10
Ella felt ashamed after repeating the same mistake her father had corrected; this was the fourth time she had disobeyed his instructions. She kept whispering to herself that her father would not forgive her this time. Convinced that the only way to escape his wrath was to elope with her supposed boyfriend, she ignored the warnings echoing in her mind.
Ella thought it was too late to turn back and ask for forgiveness. In desperation, she clung to the empty promise of marriage from her abusive boyfriend. Deep down, she knew he was a woman beater, yet fear clouded her judgment and led her away from the place where she was truly loved.
Her father grew frantic after searching for her for three days. On the fourth day, news reached him that Ella had been rushed to the hospital. When Ella opened her eyes, she was stunned to see her father sitting beside her. Tears streamed down her face as she asked, “Why me?” Her father’s presence was a reminder of mercy.
Charge: Jesus came to save the lost, offering forgiveness without segregation. God is love—ready to forgive, even after repeated mistakes. God is still on the lookout for lost souls; His mercy endures forever.
Further Study: Ezekiel 34:16; Matthew 9:12-13; Luke 5:32, 15:4; John 3:17, 4:42; 1 Timothy 1:15.
