Today's video is from a Christian sociologist, Tony Campolo. It shares the importance of "seeking the one who is lost" better than any video I could do. It's funny, it's touching, and it's challenging. Be sure to read the devotion today slowly, reflect on Tony's video, and be sure to watch the song at the end. "Does anybody see her? Does anybody care?" Tony's woman, and the woman on the song at the end are the "one." And if we are on a transformative personal journey toward loving (agape) Jesus, then how can we not see the "one"?
What if your local congregation became known as a place where the lost are found? What if your local congregation became known throughout the community as a place that welcomes the lost?
Some people think that it’s at least a little offensive to refer to people as “lost.” It presumes that the one who is “not lost” has found his or her way, and so the designation “lost” is seen as judgmental, or pejorative. It’s seen as a negative term. And so we sometimes use words like “unchurched” or “pre-Christian” rather than the pejorative term “lost.”
And yet, why use the word “lost”? Well, because Jesus used it.
Luke chapter 15 is fondly referred to as the “lost” chapter. It’s there that Luke gathers three stories. The Lost Sheep. The Lost Coin. And the Lost Brother.
And here’s what’s fascinating. In each of the stories, when the lost sheep is found, when the lost coin is found, and then the lost son returns home, there’s a huge party and celebration! They call together their friends and neighbors, and say, “Rejoice with me, for I have found what was lost.” And Jesus says, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance.”
Who are the lost? The lost are the ones God for whom God wants to throw a party! And if your local congregation became known as the place where the lost are found, it’s far from a pejorative term; it’s being intentional and invitational to those for whom God wants to throw a party! Wouldn’t you want to be a part of a church like that?
And here’s something else to think about. When the shepherd left the ninety-nine and went in search for the one who was lost, it wasn’t just for the benefit of the lost “one.”
Think about this: Numbers are very important in the Bible. One hundred is a number that represents wholeness and completeness. And so when one is “lost” and there are only ninety-nine left, the ninety-nine are less than whole. They are less than complete. The ninety-nine need the “one” to be whole and complete again.
Yes, you go after the “one” who is lost, not only for the sake of the one, but for the sake of the wholeness and completeness of the entire community! And when the lost are found, you throw a party. Because if Jesus tells us that the angels are rejoicing in heaven when the lost are found, shouldn’t we throw a party in our churches?
What if your local congregation became known as a place where the lost are found? That would be so cool.
That would be like Luke 15 all over again.
Questions to Ponder:
- · Do you agree or disagree with the use of the word lost? Why or why not? Did the devotion today give you any insight into the way Jesus uses the word?
- · What would your local congregation need to do to become known as a place where the lost are found? What can you do to help?
Prayer for Today: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. Thank you, dear Jesus, for seeking me while I was lost, for finding me, and for your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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