Either Or

       Please read Luke 15:1-7.     During the time of Jesus’ ministry, the people were divided (the righteous and unclean). To see Jesus associating with “them,” (the unclean/sinners) caused the Pharisees frustration.  How could someone of Jesus’ status lower himself, extending a welcome mat to “them”?  The Pharisees did not see themselves as the “them.”  They thought they were better.  Do we?  They did not see the judgement they were casting and the negative opinions of God’s children they were projecting. Do we?  I ponder this quote, “When you think you are better, know that you are not!”

      Jesus challenged people; He asked the hard questions and talked about tough topics.  Here, Jesus is teaching the religious leaders, again.  They don’t get it and while many may not, it’s important that the religious leaders do so they can deliver the right message to the people.  Jesus made the truth simple.  The Pharisees made things complicated.  They yearned for authority and tried to discredit Jesus so they could maintain their social status.  Unfortunately, they wandered from God’s law and were lost.  

      Parables frequently convey multiple messages, with one being clear and another that often requires reflection and maturity to comprehend.  This is about the invitation to have a personal relationship with Jesus. You see, the only person that has hope before God is the one who knows he is lost and needs to be found.  

     The sinners were receiving a different, important message.  Sinners, you are valuable to God, you are worth looking for, and you are important to save.  Go to Him with a contrite heart! Jesus was welcoming those others rejected.  By taking a side, he went against the cultural norm. He courageously set the table, literally and figuratively, to highlight the importance of each person and the need for a Savior.

     God cares about the human condition of lostness.  As Paul told the Romans, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).  No matter how far we stray, we are never outside the reach of God’s mercy – and that means all of us – those we judge, those we don’t care for, those who hold an opposite viewpoint, those who look different than we do, those who serve and those we serve.  We are welcomed to be saved, not by our works, but by God’s persistent grace.  

       We, all of us, are in need of cleansing and forgiveness. Let us not sidestep Christ’s work refining our character.  Let’s get real with God; be vulnerable and honest and repentant.  As God’s beloved children we are all recipients of grace and mercy.  There is no hierarchy.  Everyone is valuable and loved. 

       The Pharisees were the leaders but not leading.  They were supposed to offer guidance and compassion, support with Scripture and prayer, and encourage one another, but the Pharisees were not joyful when the tax collectors drew near to Jesus, they complained.  Their hearts were not set on God.  A lesson we learn from this is that if we skirt this reality, we accumulate extra weight--weight that becomes a unbearable.  That is not God’s plan for us.  God wants us to come to him, repent, confess and be liberated from the weight of sin, free to savor our relationship with Him, leading others to that same freedom and bond with our Lord. 

       In three consecutive verses Jesus references joy.  This is biblical joy, an innate serenity rooted in God's promises and in God’s presence.  Joy not gained by an external situation, rather it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Joy is the choice we make when we choose to focus on our faithful God and His goodness.   

      We rejoice in finding car keys, but when the lost sheep arrives, knowing safety and acceptance, care and love everyone in the community needs to rejoice.  As a flock we come to realize that the well-being of the whole is affected when one is lost.  We are responsible for carrying one another through the muck and mire of life, respectfully and lovingly prodding each other when we step off course, enthusiastically encouraging one another along the spiritual journey and rejoicing with each other as we witness maturity in Christian faith. 

      The comfort of knowing that we are sought after, carried and celebrated is difficult to put into words, but the feeling is euphoric.  There’s nothing better than living under the provision, protection and promise of the Good Shepherd and that’s what God wants for everyone.  And all God’s people say, Amen!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Kerry

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