One > 99 ?

In the fifteenth chapter of Luke’s gospel, Jesus tells the Pharisees and scribes in no uncertain terms that “. . . there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.” As so often happens during His life, Jesus found himself scrutinized carefully for the company he kept. In this case, tax-collectors and sinners. But Jesus preached a gospel that was not just for the righteous and the believers. His message was for everyone and especially for those who don’t know God, those who are mired in sin, and those whose souls appear to the average onlooker to be eternally lost. We are all God’s children and His love for each of us knows no bounds. But just like the prodigal son’s father rejoiced upon his return, God and all His angels rejoice uncontrollably when the wayward make their way home to Him. Just as Jesus’ message is for everyone with no exceptions, so, too, are our churches. Not only should our doors be open to everyone regardless of their appearance or their sins, but so should our hearts. We can preach each and every Sunday to a packed room full of church members and that is a wonderful thing, but a balance must be struck to not rest on our laurels for all the souls that have already been won. We must expend time and energy and passion to reach out to the others in this world that are hurting and suffering because they don’t yet realize the endless love and eternal grace that are freely available from a Creator who desperately wants to reunite with all his sons and daughters. You and I can be His conduit to accomplish one of His greatest desires. Opportunities exist in the most unexpected times and places for us to be His instrument and to reach out His shepherd’s crook and gently pull one more lost sheep back into the fold of His amazing embrace. It’s not often that the number one is viewed as trumping 99. But in the business of lost soul acquisition, it’s the norm.