Morning Devotional 010926 A Beacon of Light

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

January 9, 2026

Luke 15:3-6

3 Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. Wouldn’t he leave the other ninety-nine in the pasture and search for the lost one until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he is thrilled and places it on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost sheep.’

Good Morning! Jesus is the Good Shepherd!

The evil at work among us dominates our daily headlines. Many of us find ourselves swept up in the despair of a world “gone mad.” Some ask, “Where is God?” or “Has God given up and left us to our own demise?”

When we consider the mess we have made out of God’s perfect creation, we couldn’t blame God for shaking his head and wiping his hands clean. The Good News is that God is loving and merciful, and is constantly working among the rubble to rebuild what we have broken. 

In today’s parable, consider that the sheep lost its way when it was looking for the greener grass, the better way. Imagine that the ninety-nine represent chaos in which evil is growing. The Good Shepherd will place himself in danger to go and retrieve the one lamb who is lost. When the shepherd finds and brings the sheep home, he calls together his friends to celebrate the one who is working to restore harmony. 

Maybe each of us is called to be the one sheep who follows the light on the path to living a life of righteousness. It is easier to follow the crowd, but you might end up following them right off the cliff. When we feel lost or alone, we can take comfort in God, who will always come and find us. 

As you feel consumed by the horrors displayed on the news, consider these words. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith.”

1 Peter 5:6-9 (CSB) 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! We feel evil growing among us. Help us remain a beacon of light for a lost and lonely world. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: The only power that can defeat evil is God’s love!

It takes one to start a movement of love! Pastor Liz