March 23 | Luke 15:1-10

---

DAILY READING

Luke 15:1-10

---

REFLECTION

Angels Rejoice

By Elaine Pierce

Did you notice how this passage begins: Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. If I was a cynic, I would say, of course tax collectors are sinners - you don't need to repeat yourself, Luke. But perhaps he is making a bigger point: all of those gathered to hear Jesus are sinners - and that includes me and you. The Pharisees, of course, reject this view, and they judge Jesus for what they consider to be a grievous mistake: associating with people who aren't as 'good' as they are. He clearly has bad judgment, and he shouldn't be wasting his time with these people.

Thanks be to God that he does! These two short parables, the lost sheep and the lost coin, are familiar ones, and they both challenge and comfort us. Jesus is always ready to welcome us home, isn't he? The shepherd does not rest until he brings his wayward sheep back to the fold. And he tells his friends and neighbors how happy he is that the lost sheep has been found. So, too, does the woman who loses her coin share the good news that she has found it with her loved ones.

There is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents (v. 7).

There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (v. 10).

Take a moment to picture rejoicing in heaven. It must be far beyond what we can picture or imagine, and that rejoicing occurs because a lost soul has been found and returns to faith. You may have had a desert experience yourself, or you may be praying even now for a loved one to return to Jesus. Picture the shepherd looking for his lost sheep.....the woman searching high and low for her lost coin. Jesus is searching for us. He is standing on the front porch, and when he sees us heading down the road back to him, he runs to us, and he wraps his arms around us, and he welcomes us home. Take time to thank him for his steadfast love, despite our wandering hearts. And look forward to the rejoicing in heaven - what a day that will be!

PRAYER

Lord, you search for me as the shepherd searches for his sheep, as the woman searches for her lost coin. You rejoice when I repent and come to you. I pray for those I love who are far from you - that your hand of grace and mercy will be upon them. Thank you for your kindness and goodness, and that there will be rejoicing in heaven every day. In your precious name I pray, Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

---

March 22 | Luke 14:34-35

---

Luke 14:34-35

---

Short Term Pain, Long Term Gain

By Michael Guastella

It is not uncommon to struggle with a sense of purpose sometimes.  Our routines become stale, our bodies worn out, and our spirit dulled. In this short passage, we’re reminded of not only the purpose of salt, but the value of it. Of course, Jesus is not referring to literal salt here, but rather the deeper meaning of salt and its purpose.

Just as salt enhances and preserves, so too should believers enhance and preserve the world around them. We are called to be a positive influence, to bring out the best in situations, and to act as a preservative against decay. This "flavor" is the unique quality that Christians bring to the world—a reflection of Christ's love, grace, and truth.

But what happens when salt loses its essence? It becomes worthless.  “It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.” Sounds a lot like a lack of purpose to me.  Jesus gives us this harsh reminder of the consequences of spiritual apathy. It’s a call to examine our lives and ask ourselves if we are truly living out our faith with integrity. Are we allowing our surroundings to dilute our saltiness? Are we letting the world take control of our faith and our actions?

This chapter is all about Jesus laying his cards on the table. He’s saying to us: You want to come with me? I’ll gladly have you, but this is what it means.  I think it can also be a callback to Hebrews 12:11 which reminds us: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

This passage isn't meant to condemn, but to awaken. Jesus is telling us what we have to give up, what it truly means to walk with Christ, and what He expects from us.  The end of verse 34 says “whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” which to me means, “I gave you these gifts - use them in gratitude!”

This passage isn't meant to condemn, but to awaken. Jesus is giving us our purpose right here.  We are called to be people who stand out in their faith in Jesus. This requires intentionality, a constant drawing near to God, and a willingness to live differently.

Let us ask God to search our hearts and reveal any areas where we have lost our savor. Let us seek His grace to restore our saltiness, that we may once again be a powerful force for God’s glory, and may we always reflect the light and love of Christ to all we encounter.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for loving us enough to challenge us. Thank you for reminding us what it takes to follow You in all of Your glory. We are sorry for the times we forget, but we are thankful that you forgive us in love. Give us the strength and resilience to not be worn down by the world, and give us the resolve to continue preserving Your Word and spreading Your love.

---

About the Author

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area, where I attended Parkside Church as a boy under the teachings of Alistair Begg and was baptized at 16 years old. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.

---

March 21 | Luke 14:25-33

---

Luke 14:25-33

---

HARD

By Todd Marti

 Verse 26 of this passage is one of Jesus’ hard teachings. What are we to make of his statement that we must “hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters” to be His disciple? We can’t ignore it; Jesus’ effectively makes it twice, here and in Matthew 10:37 .  What are we to do with it?

Let’s start by considering what it doesn’t teach; Jesus is not telling His disciples to reject their families. On a broad level, we know that scripture tells us to nurture our family relationships, Exodus 20:12,  Deuteronomy 5:16,  Proverbs 6:20. and that Jesus came to fulfill scripture. Matthew 5:17-18. We also know that Jesus condemned folks who sidestepped their family obligations. Mark 7:8-13. Bringing the matter into finer resolution, the Greek word translated as "hate" does not always mean to detest or loathe, it can also mean a relative preference of one thing over another. The fact that Jesus intended that relative meaning is supported by the way this teaching is phrased in Matthew: “[a]nyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”

So, what does this verse teach?

Context gives us two strong clues. Scripturally, Luke’s gospel places this teaching immediately after a parable stressing the need to prioritize God over of other things, even otherwise legitimate things. Luke 14:15-24. Historically, the people Jesus was addressing placed very great emphasis on family.  Those contexts indicate that Jesus is telling us to put Him above all other things—even things at the core of our lives. 

So what in your life is competing with Jesus? Is it your politics, media consumption, or “tribe”?   Is it your job, career, or finances? Is it an addiction?  Is it something else? Ask Jesus to show you and to show you how to put Him ahead of it. Scripture tells us that He will show you and help you put things right if you bring the matter to Him. Luke 11:9-13, Romans 8:26-27,  Philippians 4:6-7,  Hebrews 4:15-16,  James 1:5, 1 John 1:9. 

Will that be easy? Probably not. I’m struggling with something like that now and I can tell you it’s hard. Will it take time? It probably will; it has for me. Will God help you along the way? Definitely.  So seek His help for you and all others who are struggling with this.  And if you could, please include me in those prayers.

PRAYER

Loving God, help each of us to see where we have let other things take priority over you. Help us to put you first, no matter how hard that is. Help all others who are struggling with this. We say this in Jesus’ loving, healing, name.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TODD MARTI

I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.

---