Seeking the Loss

 “. . . for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

 Could it be that God is reaching out to the sinners we would reject? Could He be moving among people we've disdained? Does God want to move through us to touch the people, nations, and neighborhoods we've abandoned? Was Jesus Himself not accused of consorting with prostitutes, hated tax-collectors, and a whole assortment of sinners? Are we, then, right to condemn and refuse to even show kindness to the sinners He loved and died for? Lord, forgive us!

 

It is a sad thing to witness a church which as lost its first love -- that is, its ability and willingness to love, and its commitment to love. Without love, the church is a sad caricature of herself, having strayed far from the One who called her into being and keeps Her through the ages. The church is to be the body of Christ, with arms ever outstretched to a lost and dying world, and where the least and last of these find a place of refuge and security. As long as the church is mired in worldly culture and controversy, she cannot fulfill the Great Commission; for we cannot make disciples until we are disciples - disciples of Jesus Christ. We must remember that we are the exclusive messengers of the New Covenant, and Jesus seeks and saves the lost by His ministry through us! May we turn back to Him, and may He once again find us faithful and useful for His divine enterprises. Amen.

Let's Pray - Dear God, please forgive me for a judgmental attitude toward others. I long to take advantage of every opportunity to show the love and compassion You showed me. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Amen.