Hi Glen Mar,

This coming Sunday, we will continue in our series, “What Disciples Do”, and we will be talking about “Seeking others for Jesus” while looking at Luke 15:1-10. You will most likely remember the parables that Jesus shares in this passage: the shepherd leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep, and the woman who seeks and finds her lost coin. In both parables, there is something lost, missing, or misplaced, and the shepherd and woman search for it!

This passage makes me think about who from the community around us might be missing from the fold at Glen Mar and what a joy for all of us it would be to have them be found.

There’s something about finding that missing piece or person that causes joy! Think about the joy of the shepherd when he finds the lost sheep. He calls his friends and neighbors together to celebrate! How about the woman who finds her lost coin? She, too, calls her friends and neighbors together to rejoice! But then we see the ultimate joy in verse 10 where Jesus teaches, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of angels of God over one sinner who repents.” God is joyful when the lost are found!

Of course, God is represented in the parables through the shepherd and the woman, and God rejoices in finding the lost because God is always seeking, searching, and looking for us because God wants everyone to be found and to know that they belong in the Kingdom of God. And so, as we follow God, we must ask ourselves, if God cares so much about finding the “missing pieces,” how much should I care, and who should I invite to be found?

I wonder, is there anyone you can think of to invite? Is there anyone you could simply share your story with, or give a kind word to in Jesus’ name, and then let them know where your hope comes from? If not, be on the lookout this week…God may just show you someone who could just end up being “found” this coming week.

Hope to see you Sunday!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Chris