Tim’s
Tidings
Jesus has a special call to whom
some describe as the “least, lost, lonely and last.” I believe Jesus’ parables we are considering
this summer bear that out.
As you
remember from last week’s Scripture, Jesus says in effect: “Don’t mess with the
kids (least) and don’t mess with those who are newer believers.” He says: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the
greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever
welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:3-5)
The
“littlest” have room to grow. “Humble
yourselves and receive the kingdom like one of these, be welcoming and
hospitable to all” is the message. Jesus
goes on to say:
Take care that you
do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their
angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a
shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not
leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went
astray? 13 And
if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the
ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven
that one of these little ones should be lost. (Matthew 18:10-14).
Are you feeling
least, lost, lonely, last or little today?
Know you matter to God. You
matter to God!
God desires to be in
relationship with us all. God desires
our worship and service. God desires to
forgive, love, heal and send us in ministry in every facet of life. God desires that we who once were lost are
now found.
Our purpose is to be
found, filled and then fulfilled in community as we worship and serve God in
Spirit and truth. If you have been
searching for God, keep it up. Know that
God is a God who wants to be found, and even searches and finds you and
me. That’s a great feeling, to know that
angels watch over us night and day. To
know that God loves each of us “sheep” as if there were only one of us. That we need never feel abandoned or afraid,
but humble ourselves and be open to the God of love who cares for the least,
last, lost, lonely and little. God cares
and all heaven rejoices when the lost are found! Even you and me!
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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