Day 42 - Luke

"1 Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”



3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:1-7

This is what Jesus is about.  There's no disputing it.  This is the work of the Church.  Often, though, we sacrifice reaching the one to please the 99.  I have heard Andy Stanley, Pastor at Northpoint Community Church, say many times, "Make decisions based on those you're trying to reach rather than those you're trying to keep."  Because you will drive yourself crazy trying to please the 99.  However, we often start thinking that THAT'S what the Church is about. 

The Church is the only organization of the world that exists for people that are not a part of it.  Our whole mission and purpose is to reach those people with God's amazing love, that their lives might be transformed with the love of Christ.

Please don't hear me say that the Church is not about discipleship.  Indeed, the Church is about 'sheep' growing and maturing.  In fact, I would say that's the crux of this, one of my favorite passages in Luke.  The 99 sheep are so mature that the shepherd is able to leave them to go reach the one.  And, I don't know if sheep can think, but I think these sheep understand the mission.  I long for the day with the Church of Jesus Christ throughout the world lives this mission.  When we all realize it's not about us, it's about those that don't know Christ yet.  What would it look like for the Church to radically do whatever it took to reach those that don't know Jesus?  What would it mean for you to do whatever it takes?

Oh, and just a note, take a minute to read verses 8-32 in Luke 15 for two more stories about God's heart for reach that which is lost.  It's who He is.  Let it be who we are.