I learned something new-something I hadn't noticed before from these parables. That what was lost in these parables were recovered as if they always were meant to belong -the sheep back to the shepherd, the coin back to its owner, the son back to his father. People treat "sinners" as if they do not belong to God or to their community but Jesus wants to teach the world that they too belong to God and must be recovered, returned, restored back to where they belong- under God's ownership and care. And, restoration comes through repentence.
Also, I see a contrast between the lost/found parable and the weeds/wheat parable. The wheat/weeds parable tell of those that were thrown into a place they were not meant to be- among those that had true rights of belonging- but were eventually separated and destroyed. The lost/found parable tell of those that were displaced but recovered and restored back to where they belong .....I realized that the balance of good and evil is a perplexing business to me and it is all the more reason I need to trust God to be the ultimate judge. These parables have prompted me to reconsider my own perceptions of people and the way my heart approaches them. It is not meant for me to judge who is good or bad or who does or does not belong. These parables have also shown me how I as a human being tend to think/act versus how God sees and treats people. I cannot dismiss people as easily as I have and it made me think again about my role in the work of missions.
Stott points out that as much as we should not be judging and rejecting those who are not part of the Christian community, we should not be condoning their worldly ways either. I think each of us has a role in missions- in bringing people to hear the word of God that they may be convicted and be led to repentence. Some may be called to be a teacher, a benefactor, a couselor, a healer...a friend.
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2 comments:
Thank Lynn for the reflection! I suppose the thing that really struck me was Stott's challenge when he asked the question: "whether we resemble Jesus or the Pharisees, whether we avoid contact with sinners or seek it." It made me wonder just how many of us have 'non-Christian' friends. And furthermore, I wonder what they really think of us. Do they see any 'real' difference between us?.. If they don't see the difference, what does that say about our witness or about our faith?
Stott's question made me realize just how comfort seeking we are, making friends mainly with "church-goer" rather than non-church folks. And doesn't that say something about whether we avoid sinners or seek it? I'm afraid it does.
Let's accept the challenge to welcoming and befriending non-Christians (at school, work, or neighbor or even at church) with the purpose that as God give us an opportunity, we'l be ready to share the gospel message in words and in deeds.
Posted by Pastor James
Thanks for sharing Lynn - your post really resonated with me today. I once heard a definition of "love" as "ascribing unsurpassable worth to others at cost to yourself." Not that we have to like the person or agree with their views/lifestyle, but to agree with God that the individual was worth God dying for. Once I understood that, I realized how judgmental I had been and its completely changed how I view others.
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