The Confession of Sins The Absolution The Introit p. 16
Introit
The Lord is the Strength of His people:
He is the saving Strength of His anointed.
Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance:
feed them also and lift them up forever.
Psalm. Unto Thee will I cry, O Lord, my Rock; be not silent unto me: lest, if Thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
Lord of all power and might, who art the Author and Giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of Thy name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual
Gradual
He shall call to the heavens from above:
and to the earth that He may judge His people.
V. The heavens shall declare His righteousness:
for God is Judge Himself. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
V. The ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with everlasting joy upon their lands:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and weeping shall fly away.
Hallelujah!
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord! Praise be to Thee, O Christ! The Nicene Creed p. 22
Diagnosis and treatment, Sarah Buck; Kermit Way; Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris Shrader; those suffering from emotional and metabolic distress; those we name in our hearts.
Clinton Michael Roberts, the son of one of our Lutheran friends, was passed onto eternal life, the funeral broadcast yesterday.
Sixth Sunday After Trinity
Lord God, heavenly Father, we confess that we are poor, wretched sinners, and that there is no good in us, our hearts, flesh and blood being so corrupted by sin, that we never in this life can be without sinful lust and concupiscence; therefore we beseech Thee, dear Father, forgive us these sins, and let Thy Holy Spirit so cleanse our hearts that we may desire and love Thy word, abide by it, and thus by Thy grace be forever saved; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
KJV Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
KJV Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Spiritual - Not Bought and Sold - Outline
See the Melanchthon graphic at the bottom.*
KJV Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
I often write about the activities of denominations, especially the Lutherans, so I think about the religious meanings of this age. I divided the two categories into the spiritual and the material. These days, the material side (costumes, incense) overwhelms the spiritual.
Praying and meditating
The most powerful and least realized is prayer, because it is not limited by dungeons, cells, speaking out loud, locations, status, or anything else - and is also the most ignored or mechanical. Someone can be named from 1,000 miles away. I name each member almost every night, plus others in our circle or interest.
Faith in Christ is essential, and one involves the other. Reading and hearing about the Savior lets us dwell on the infinite divine power of the Universe. And that is not the Universe itself but we have all God has given, also with the evidence. Without hesitating - though we do - we have whatever the Good Shepherd teaches.
Studying the Bible and Luther
The Bible (KJV) and Luther are not material, but spiritual, the fruit of ancient times, going back so far that we barely grasp it - escaping the Egyptians, riding the whale rather than the ship. When we go over the Old Testament we have the Gospel filling our hearts with all the work the Spirit teaches us - the Word in the Psalms.
Our country should be stunned that so many ignore the Reformation, which was ideal in making people free through the wine (printing) press and free enough to go to new lands for freedom of religion.
Husbands and wives teach the children
This is far too late. Men are no longer writing books, and everything is being sugared up, as if knowledge does not matter anymore. Therefore, only the determined are going to be literate in 20 years. Fathers have the most leverage in being spiritual. Some will be replacing denominations with the home library, parents tutoring children because they have to do that.
Preaching and teaching the efficacious Gospel
The teaching of the Savior is 99%. What He clearly teaches in the Scriptures must be what was given to us through the Holy Spirit.
Providing Holy Communion
The Last Supper takes us back to the escape from Egypt and the freedom of the Promised Land. In this and every spiritual work, Jesus Chris is with us in every possible way.
Psalm. The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear?
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
O God, who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass man’s understanding, pour into our hearts such love toward Thee that we, loving Thee above all things, may obtain Thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual
Gradual
Behold, O God, our Shield: and look upon Thy servants.
V. O Lord God of hosts: hear our prayer. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
V. The king shall joy in Thy strength: and in Thy salvation, how greatly shall he rejoice! Hallelujah!
In our prayers - Kermit Way, Christina's brother-in-law. Pastor Jim Shrader and his wife Chris.
KJV 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
KJV Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing:nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Fifth Sunday After Trinity
O Jesus Christ, Thou Son of the living God, who hast given us Thy holy word, and hast bountifully provided for all our temporal wants, we confess that we are unworthy of all these mercies, and that we have rather deserved punishment: But we beseech Thee, forgive us our sins, and prosper and bless us in our several callings, that by Thy strength we may be sustained and defended, now and forever, and so praise and glorify Thee eternally, Thou who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
Nevertheless at thy Word I will Let Down the Net
KJV Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
Those who have gone fishing can easily remember the sights of a river or lake, sounds, and stink of the fish, the waves slapping against the boats, the discussions about where the fish might be, the people sharing in the event, the food getting ready. In this situation, the key issue was the Word of God drawing people to Him, This one verse reminds us of the dramatic events coming up, the anguish and fears, and details of the miracle. Those who are finishing the Acts of the Apostles (Tuesday and Thursday 10 AM) recognize the vivid descriptions concerning Paul, Luke as the narrator, and key figures good and bad.
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
The ships were empty of fish, not full, the nets being washed, hard labor after a night of work and discouragement. Attention is brought to the situation, food needed for the people involved, but the agenda is Word first of all, not work and ordinary food. The greater the hunger, the more important the food is.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
The empty nets, clogged with debris, only made the hunger worse. Jesus has an important message, but the disciples - we can assume - were like the big event with no food. Jesus' action is to use the fishing boat as a platform, the lake a sounding board so more people can hear and see the Messiah. Jesus immediately began teaching from the strong, steady ship. The Sermon on the Mount reached the multitude because Jesus had the pulpit of projecting His Word across the lake's expanse of listeners below. The reverse was true at the edge of the lake because the water served so well as a sounding board for those crowded around the shore and higher up (which was much later called the Akron Plan).
Sitting was the formal means of speaking in Judaism (Sermon the Mount) and continues in some Christian denominations for a bishop (chair translated as cathedral). The fish-head (mitre) for the bishop goes back to Babylon.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
We should adopt what Luke says, especially when it is a blessing from the Savior. This event is a miracle, not a practical effort. Luke has the best, clearest, and miraculous results. There is no requirement to do this - except Jesus' will. In fact, tossing out the heavy nets after a night of work with no results suggests more failures, and weariness.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing:nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
"Letting down the net" is especially anxious when there has only been failure. That is why so many people with gimmicks have been completely discouraged or eager for a magical solution. The miracle often comes with asking. And it also comes with the will of God. Variations come from the combination of Spirit and Word.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
God's abundance is displayed many ways, often before people even think to ask. It is no accident that theses miracles were recorded for everyone's benefit. We often experience the pain and difficulties before the blessings arrive.
Remember When...
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
God gives us the sweetest memories and also the unexpected and difficult ones that emphasize faith.
The Hymn # 452 The Son of God The Confession of Sins The Absolution The Introit p. 16 The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19 The Epistle and Gradual The Gospel Glory be to Thee, O Lord! Praise be to Thee, O Christ! The Nicene Creed p. 22 The Sermon Hymn #528:10-15If God Himself Be For Me
KJV Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
KJV Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
Fourth Sunday After Trinity
Lord God, heavenly Father, who art merciful, and through Christ didst promise us, that Thou wilt neither judge nor condemn us, but graciously forgive us all our sins, and abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul: We pray Thee, that by Thy Holy Spirit Thou wilt establish in our hearts a confident faith in Thy mercy, and teach us also to be merciful to our neighbor, that we may not judge or condemn others, but willingly forgive all men, and, Judging only ourselves, lead blessed lives in Thy fear, through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
First Fruits of the Gospel
KJV Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
We might as well assume that the early Christians were suffering under the burdens of the Roman Empire and unlimited hardships.The military threats were great and the medical problems were vast. More importantly, there were Jewish Christians, Jews who rejected the Gospel, and Gentiles new to the Old Testament only, with the New Testament being established and spread in Greek and translations.
The fish was used to let people know that the stranger was a Christian or merely another person making a mark in the ground. Believers also risked their own lives to rescue abandoned babies.
There are many kinds of suffering today, which we cannot see. And many are obvious and yet beyond the work of medicine. It is an honor to be in touch with people with special issues, major problems with no solutions but a great capacity for thought, faith in Christ, humor, and understanding of others.
Nothing on earth is equal to what God has created for us in eternal life.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
5. And in the verse preceding our text he tells us that as our blissful inheritance through brotherhood and joint-heirship with Christ is not a mere fancy and false hope of the heart, but a real inheritance, so our sympathy must amount to real suffering, which we take upon ourselves as befitting joint-heirs. Now Paul comforts the Christian in his sufferings with the authority of one who speaks from experience, from thorough acquaintance with his subject. He seems to view this life as through obscurities, while beholding the life to come with clear and unobstructed vision. He says: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to usward [in us].”
6. Notice how he turns his back to the world and his face to the future revelation, as if seeing no suffering anywhere, but all joy.
Luther - above - was selected by God and the printing press (grapes) to establish the Gospel again, after a thousand years of decay and popery. Printing from the grape-press created a new media for Europe. China already had it for paper money. However, Luther did all his theology by hand, a staggering thought in our day. The problems of today were abundant then. The issue was - and is - the Word of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Our situation is this - we are by human nature vain, self-centered, worried about ourselves. Many things happen that are genuinely hurtful. Humanity is like a ping-pong machine where one noisey collision bounces into another one and soon the money is gone. We can wonder how it can be so rowdy, confused, and difficult. Much of this is hidden from us but appears through the power of the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God. After a long journey in the confusion of life, we can easily say to ourselves, "How did we get this way?"
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
We cannot measure our lives by our current situation. As Luther says, we should be looking toward heaven rather than earth. It is curious how Luther lived only 63 years, like Melanchthon, and each Reformer had a son who was not physically strong. The sons could have been rulers of Europe, but other events took place.
Whatever happens now in America will be shaped far beyond our imaginations. Certainty only comes from the Promises of God and the guidance of the Son.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
All this is true, and the apostle knew it well. The ultimate answers come through the Holy Trinity, far beyond anything here on earth.
The Confession of Sins The Absolution The Introit p. 16
Introit
Turn Thee unto me and have mercy upon me:
for I am desolate and afflicted.
Look upon mine affliction and my pain:
and forgive all my sins.
Psalm. Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul:
O my God, I trust in Thee, let me not be ashamed.
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
O God, the Protector of all that trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us Thy mercy that, Thou being our Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual
Cast thy burden upon the Lord:
and He shall sustain thee.
V. I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me:
He hath delivered my soul in peace.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
V. I will love Thee, O Lord my Strength:
the Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer. Hallelujah!
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord! Praise be to Thee, O Christ! The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Preface p. 24 The Sanctus p. 26 The Lord's Prayer p. 27 The Words of Institution The Agnus Dei p. 28 The Nunc Dimittis p. 29 The Benediction p. 31 The Hymn #49Almighty God Thy Word Is Cast
In Our Prayers and Announcements
Medical treatment - Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Kermit Way, Sarah Buck, many other conditions; those with emotional issues and those with metabolic disorders. Tom Fisher - very tough year with the sheep.
KJV 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
KJV Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Third Sunday After Trinity
Lord God, heavenly Father, we all like sheep have gone astray, having suffered ourselves to be led away from the right path by Satan and our own sinful flesh: We beseech Thee graciously to forgive us all our sins for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ; and quicken our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may abide in Thy word, and in true repentance and a steadfast faith continue in Thy Church unto the end, and obtain eternal salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end Amen.
God And Angels Rejoice
KJV Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth [welcomes!] sinners, and eateth with them.
Luke 15 is often called Luke's Great Passage - the Loving Mercy of Jesus.
1. The Lost Sheep - Luke 15:1-7
2. The Lost Coin - Luke 15:8-10
3. The Lost Son - Luke 15:11-32.
These three passages are distinctive in dealing with one particular theme, Jesus' gracious love - comparing that to the self-righteous or works-righteous Pharisees and scribes.
The Lost Sheep is not so much about the animal but God.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
This is painfully clear. The works-righteous have their feet to the fire, as people say. Someone could have 100 sheep and still go after that one sheep until it is found. How about seeing people as God does? Sheep are timid, easily frightened, hard to control. The owner cares about them and their suffering. So this part alone is easy to see - the scribes and Pharisees are placed in the position of God. Jesus is saying, "Wouldn't you go out and look for that sheep, dying in the wilderness, growing weaker by the hour?" Our emotions would respond - we have to try. We can't let the little guy suffer. We will find him! But that is not all! The owner will search until he finds the lost sheep.
Searches
Finds
Lays it on the shoulders -
Rejoices
Calls friends and neighbors -
Rejoices
The lost one is found!
More joy in Heaven than the 99 almost perfect ones - a jibe from Jesus - for those who think they are without sin.
I often hear from people who have reached the bottom of life from alcohol and drug abuse. The Savior has rescued them from almost complete destruction and have experienced the long passage back from the wilderness, which very difficult. But it also means someone can be a good counselor after coming back.
Most importantly - This is a parable about the graciousness of God. He delights in mercy.
When graduate students write about how tough Jeremiah is, I remind them of the name that came from the prophet's long, angry speeches. The denunciations are called jeremiads, in honor of Jeremiah. But I respond to Jeremiah 31
31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
This is a great follow-up, which can make anyone sweat bullets - as they say - go bats trying to find lost items - tickets, glasses, maps, etc. Once again, the emphasis is about rejoicing over the lost coin. Just as the angels rejoice in this parable, so does the individual have joy in telling the friends and neighbors.
The joy is over repentance, not coin collecting. Just as we find a thrill in the object of value lost and then found, even more significant are the angels rejoicing over one repentant sinner.
