You Have Time to Read the Bible: Get Found! | Luke 15:1-10, Luke 19:1-10

The #1 reason people say they don’t read the Bible is because they are too busy! That’s why we created this podcast. We are kicking off the new year to dispel the myth that there isn’t enough time. We can do it. In even 7 minutes a day there is time to spend with God. As Craig Dension says, if you make space for God, he is going to fill it with something meaningful. Let’s get started.

Show Notes:

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Transcription:

It’s the number one reason why people say they don’t read the Bible. I don’t have enough time. Oh, I deeply resonate with that. But that’s why we created the Bible for Busy People. Hi, I am Erica, your host. I’m so excited that you made the decision today to study God’s Word with me. It’s going to be so good. You and I kicking off a brand new year together. Happy New Year to you! I pray that this starts a holy habit in your life because it’s a myth, the fact that we don’t have time. You and I can make time for God in our lives. Seven minutes a day. Are you kidding me? We got this. I want to quote Craig Denison. He’s a podcaster, a musician and author. He says,

If you and I make space for God, He’s going to fill it with something meaningful.

So, this week we are going to be camping out on short stories in the Bible. We’re going to have one takeaway every day that’s so simple and easy to digest, because let’s face it, this is how we nourish our souls. We break open the bread of life, which is Jesus, and he is going to speak to us through His Word today. So before we break bread together and open his Word, I want to give you today’s takeaway. So simple.

If you can get lost, you can get found.

If you are feeling a little bit lost today, if you feel far from God, this is especially for you. If you feel found, if you feel so loved by him today, get ready to feel even more loved. Each time we read God’s Word, we understand him a little bit better. We get to know him more. It’s like going out to coffee with a friend. You learn something about them you never knew before. So, join me now in Luke chapter 15, beginning in verse one.

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners…

By the way, people couldn’t stand tax collectors in Bible times.

…often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! 3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

So, when you and I make the decision to repent, to turn around from the wrong way of living and turn back to God and say, “God, I’m sorry for my sins. I want to start out new. It’s a new year.” We just found out through these two stories that Jesus told that we give God joy. We are told that a party breaks out in heaven, a joy party. God is so pleased and filled with joy when you and I do a U-turn in life and turn back to him. And we don’t find the Lord with his finger pointing at us and his eyes flashing with anger. No, his arms are open. He is smiling. He is filled with joy and it’s evident on his face. So you can run to him today. If you’ve gotten lost for a while, and perhaps Christmastime has brought you back to him, just turn. He’s waiting for you. He wants to show you his love and kindness. Okay, join me now in Luke chapter 19. We’re going to read another story about a person who got lost and got found.

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector…

Remember, the people didn’t like the tax collectors.

…in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. 8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” 9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Do you notice that Jesus not only was pleased to see Zacchaeus, he called him by name. He said he wanted to have dinner with him. I think that there’s a false assumption that Jesus just tolerates us, and it’s not true. He knows your name. He loves you, and he wants to know you better. So, look at us here. We’re off to a great start. We read three stories that Jesus shared in the Bible today. There is time to read God’s Word. Until next time, remember, if you can get lost, you can get found and you are loved.

Thank you for making time for the Bible for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.