Simeon’s contentment or Anna’s joy can only be achieved when we are humble enough to look at Jesus and see God doing things that are greater than we can ever imagine.

St Paul gives us directions to enable us to live a Jesus-like life: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances.

Jesus told this story, not to the one lost person but to the ninety-nine devout followers. He told it to illustrate to the ninety-nine where they were going wrong. If we go astray, God feels loss. When we return, God rejoices. We are irreplaceable and our personal salvation matters deeply to God.

The apostles risked everything to follow the risen Christ. Those who trust Jesus are themselves part of the resurrection.

Continuing with our Romans sermon series, David explains that if we are to be saved it cannot be through our own works. It is through God’s grace that we are saved.