Rejoice with Me!

The preacher began by contrasting God’s "very good" creation with the fall of man, where sin introduced a cycle of hiding and blaming others. He compared the grumbling Pharisees and scribes—who criticized Jesus for "receiving sinners and eating with them"—to Adam and Eve pointing fingers in the Garden. These religious leaders attempted to establish their own righteousness, whereas the "flesh" naturally rebels against God’s Word.

The sermon emphasized that humans are the "lost sheep," "lost coin," and "lost son". Key insights into God's character included:

Unlike an earthly father who might only wait at a window, the heavenly Father "goes and finds" His children.

On Father's Day, the preacher highlighted God as a "perfect dad" who cares for both body and soul, guarding children from evil and fixing their wounds through Christ's sacrifice.

Jesus is described as hoisting the lost sheep over His shoulders, rejoicing even as He endures the "mud and the dirt and the pain and the blood" of human sin.

A central theme was the restoration of relationship and the celebration that follows repentance.

The preacher noted that Jesus' rejoicing is a continuing activity; there is "singing in heaven" and a "party" thrown by angels whenever a sinner receives absolution.

Being "found" means a believer is never alone again, as they are plucked from the "terror" of darkness and grief to be placed into the family of the church.

The sermon concluded by connecting God's spiritual rescue to His daily provision. The same Father who provides the "body and blood of Jesus" for life also puts "clothes upon you" and "food upon your plate". Believers were encouraged to call upon His name with "confidence and boldness," knowing they are led by a Good Shepherd who leads them to quiet waters and prepares a table even in the presence of their enemies