Call it "Lost: The REAL Series". It's about people stranded far from home, and their efforts and the efforts of others to bring them safely back.
The scene opens on the wrong side of town. A crowd is gathering, comprised of society's misfits. Not all are happy; grumbling can be heard from a small group gathered off to the side.
"Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-2).
What follows are two short parables about a lost lamb and a lost coin, and a heart-wrenching story of a wayward son who eventually returns to his father in repentance and humility. And these are all designed to remind us of the ongoing reality series, "Lost: The REAL Series". Countless numbers of people are lost who desperately need to be found.
In the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin, intensive effort is exerted to find that which was lost. And these stories raise an issue that begs to be considered: How much effort is expended by believers and churches to reach those who are lost? Probably a disproportionately low amount compared to other pursuits.
I have a friend who suggests that the purposes of Christ and the kingdom might well be served by believers spending time in internet chat rooms discussing spiritual issues with those seeking answers. This seems like an interesting possibility that is in harmony with the approach of Jesus. Seeking the lost where they are must be a key priority.
Perhaps an appropriate picture to fix in our minds to remind us of a key priority is that of a bridge. Disciples are called to be bridge-builders between a Savior who has sacrificed His life for them, and those who are lost and destined for judgment and destruction.
Action follows thought. Prayerfully focusing our thoughts on those who are lost without Christ eventually leads to bridge-building action. A heart for the lost leads to compassionate action toward the lost.
May the priority of reaching the lost that characterized Jesus' work on earth be our priority amidst our daily activities.
Steve
The scene opens on the wrong side of town. A crowd is gathering, comprised of society's misfits. Not all are happy; grumbling can be heard from a small group gathered off to the side.
"Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-2).
What follows are two short parables about a lost lamb and a lost coin, and a heart-wrenching story of a wayward son who eventually returns to his father in repentance and humility. And these are all designed to remind us of the ongoing reality series, "Lost: The REAL Series". Countless numbers of people are lost who desperately need to be found.
In the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin, intensive effort is exerted to find that which was lost. And these stories raise an issue that begs to be considered: How much effort is expended by believers and churches to reach those who are lost? Probably a disproportionately low amount compared to other pursuits.
I have a friend who suggests that the purposes of Christ and the kingdom might well be served by believers spending time in internet chat rooms discussing spiritual issues with those seeking answers. This seems like an interesting possibility that is in harmony with the approach of Jesus. Seeking the lost where they are must be a key priority.
Perhaps an appropriate picture to fix in our minds to remind us of a key priority is that of a bridge. Disciples are called to be bridge-builders between a Savior who has sacrificed His life for them, and those who are lost and destined for judgment and destruction.
Action follows thought. Prayerfully focusing our thoughts on those who are lost without Christ eventually leads to bridge-building action. A heart for the lost leads to compassionate action toward the lost.
May the priority of reaching the lost that characterized Jesus' work on earth be our priority amidst our daily activities.
Steve
posted by steve @ 7:51 AM
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