09-27-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 27, 2023
In my discussion of the Parable of the Lost Sheep on Sunday, I suggested the one who had sinned (missed the mark) and was in need of repentance (a shift in attitude and purpose) was the shepherd, not the sheep. Jesus sort of summarized the parable by saying,

“In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives.”

According to the parable, it was the shepherd who lost the sheep. It does not say the sheep wandered off or got stuck in a hole. As the shepherd went in search of the one left behind, I guess the ninety-nine stayed where they were, though that part of the story sort of makes me wonder if ninety-nine should have stepped up and joined the shepherd.

I know I am going down the rabbit hole of parable guessing games, but too often we have not followed the people who stepped up, acknowledged their need for change, made needed and difficult adjustments in life, and then took a risk. Too often, we have left such people on their own. As a church, whenever someone takes a risk in his/her search for the one left alone, I sure hope we’ll have that person’s back.

Thank you, Lord God, for all the risk-takers who too often do the hard work completely on their own. Amen.