More Joy in Heaven

Luke 15:1–10 NIV

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Smug = Ug-ly

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were being smug. It wasn’t pretty. People were coming to Jesus. He was a teacher. The Pharisees were teachers and the teachers of the law were teachers. They had people coming to them. But they had different people coming to them. Evidently this is how they wanted it. It’s hard to say if they were mostly jealous that different people were coming to see Jesus or if they really thought nobody should be allowing these people to hear the truth. But it’s ugly either way.

Some say that sinners as the term was used here had to do with people who did bad things as a lifestyle. So letting active sinners hangout with you creates a concern. I mean if you hang out with violent people and laugh with them at violence to others, even participating with them obviously that’s a problem. But how many actively violent people with no intention of changing would have been hanging around Jesus? You could insert whatever sin you want here and still the question is: is it ok to welcome sinners?

Well, the short answer is Jesus did so, yes. Now we have no indication that Jesus hung out with them in way that says: hey you don’t need to change, it’s all good… Because remember Jesus is talking about repentance. Real life change. People with no intention of changing don’t hang around for that kind of talk. But it’s interesting. The so-called sinners were hanging around to hang on every word. The so-called righteous ones were whispering and gossiping at the real work Jesus was doing to help people who wanted to change.

Annoying Parties

I wish I could say today things were better, but they aren’t. All of us who have been church people for most of our lives can be tempted to fall into the same trap.

Have you ever come home to the street being full of cars? Maybe you can barely pull into your own driveway. Someone is having some sort of party and you didn’t know about it. How do you feel at that moment? Maybe you hear loud noises and sounds of laughter. Well, let’s be honest nothing is more annoying than someone else’s party, lol. But let’s do better than that. Let’s rise above those feelings and figure out how to get invited to parties. If things are going on you can’t approve of you don’t have to stay long. If you are an influencer to those involved maybe you could help plan a party that’s fun but safe for everyone. But let’s not hate those who are gathering with someone else.

I know a Nazarene pastor who targets a group of people that most churches don’t want anything to do with. You might be able to imagine who they are. But he has special outreach efforts and special small groups and a worship service designed to reach these people that nobody else is reaching. He preaches and teaches holiness. And these people actually come to listen and take part. They want to live God’s way. It’s not easy but several have made a commitment and are now following Jesus. It’s difficult work that takes a lot of effort and sometimes small results but he and his team keep at it. So you would think he gets a lot of special encouragement and thanks for his work. You would think a lot of people would come to learn from what he is doing. And some do. But sadly what he faces daily is constant criticism and even accusation that he is doing the devil’s work. It’s devastating to see. Many who know nothing about his ministry hate him actively because of how they feel about who they are targeting. Now there may be room for disagreement on how to reach someone best. I’m sure I may not agree with everything about what that church does or says. But I know it’s not right or fair for people who know better to attack him the way they do.

Let’s not try to dress it up as a theological or spiritual problem when really we just feel left out. We can’t reach those people so how come they can? Be happy someone can! Do your best to be used of God. Always be happy that someone is coming to Jesus.

More Joy in Heaven

Luke 15:7 NIV

7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

So here is the thing: who doesn’t need to repent? Nobody.

Romans 3:23 NIV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 1:10 NIV

10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Now this is not saying that everyone continues to make a lifestyle out of sin even after repenting and following Jesus. But it does mean that none of us is above needing to repent when we first come to God. And we best not lose that humility. We should keep soft hearts before God and repent quickly when our thoughts, attitudes or actions stray. If that’s who we are then we would not be saying what the Pharisees are saying. We would be grateful for the mercy and sanctifying grace of God. Thankful that he is changing us day by day as we walk with Him and cooperate. But it is still his grace that makes it all possible. Not our achievement.

Wouldn’t we be glad that someone new is finding a place at God’s table? Wouldn’t we happily scoot over and make room for them? In fact wouldn’t we be out looking for the lost sheep and coins who are so precious in his sight? Wouldn’t we be inviting them to his table which is open to all who will drop their pride in humble repentance before the God who made us and gave us life?

What are you celebrating?

So this morning what are you celebrating? Who are you celebrating? Yes, those of us who work hard for the kingdom can feel weary or unappreciated at times. But the mission isn’t primarily about us. It’s mostly about those we haven’t reached yet. Those who have yet to taste and see that the Lord is Good.

The Pharisees did not get it. Don’t be like the Pharisees. Let’s pray...

Communion