LUKE 15:2. “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.”
THE ACCUSATION. There are some accusations that are directed at those who commit significant acts; that can be called “Blessed Accusations.” The picture in my mind of the Lord Jesus sitting with the common people and outcasts of the mainstream, is one that I appreciate. He is not identifying with their sins or shortcomings but with the people themselves. They are leaning forward to hear what He says at the dinner table. They may have questions they need answers to, and He receives them and makes it clear to them He cares for them.
I would like to be known as one who receives sinners and eats with them. I do not want to be known as a person who thought he was important, but as one who knows everyone else is important to God and is worthy of my attention. May the Lord keep me a lowly person; may my mind be kept humble; may my heart always be sensitive to those around me. May I always be able to look them in the eye and may they be able to look into mine as a person they know that can be trusted. I know this is only possible as I yield my will and wants to the Lord Himself.
“Father of the fatherless, and God of all grace to lost mankind: Help me to see the unspoken desires of those who are without Christ. Give me understanding as to how to anoint my eyes with heavenly eye-salve and see beyond the exterior of those with whom I dwell. Keep me from discounting the value of any soul. Let me see their
potential through the eyes of the divine nature Thou hast given me. Make me share the pain of the hurting; the loss of the sorrowing; the grief of the guilty. May there, to them be given the understanding, through me, that there is a God who receives “all that come unto God by Him.” That “him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” And when I fail in carrying out the charge of the Gospel, help me to recognize that failure, confess it, forsake it find mercy, and move ahead again with the great Example who was willing to receive sinners and share that most expressive form of fellowship – even if it is horse meat, beans, lentils and rice day after day, or a stale piece of bread that can be shared with the ones looking for acceptance with Thee. Amen.”
LUKE 15:6b, 9b, 32a. “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost... Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost... It was meet that we should make merry...” / REJOICE WITH ME. Songs in the night, the Shepherd is glad – Voices blending in hymns and words or gladness fill the rooms- The lost is found, the helpless is rescued, the danger is passed- Loneliness of being away from the others- The fearful sounds in the wilderness- The trembling, the total “lostness” that can’t be explained- Then comes the sound of a familiar voice. The call is personal, real, simple – I know it means me. Strong Person, strong arms, strong shoulders, strong legs- And the journey back is so much safer and comforting. His loud voice, linking two together, “I have found my sheep.” “I am His and He is mine forever and forever.”
Dust is flying and the impatient sounds of searching fill the house. Room after room, corner by corner, high and low- The lost must be found – the value is too high to ignore. Things have to be moved; the furniture is moved; Hindrances dealt with, changes made, decisions made. Things cannot remain the way they were. Nothing is any more useless than a lost coin in a dark room. Light shines in every place, until there- Lying alone, unused, unable to accomplish a thing- The lost is found, and placed in the proper place where it can be seen. The useless is useful again; the lost is returned to its owner. The house is filled with rejoicing neighbors and Owner is glad.
Hands over the wet, red eyes to get a longer look- Heart beating slowly with sadness day after day- Inner thoughts lingering on flesh-pots in far away places. No thoughts of self-pity, but of genuine concern for a foolish son. Not self-recrimination filled with “What ifs.” Not anger, humiliation, threats to be carried out some day, But anxious looking for an object of love, for a son He loved. And one day of impatient waiting leads to another, until- In the distance the dust from shuffling feet: words unnecessary- Actions that speak louder, embraces, a kiss (maybe even some tears), And a feast is spread, servants and Master alike filled with joy- This is right, this is the right way to welcome home the wanderer.
“Father, I still get such great joy when You save a soul. It is always a cause of amazement and thanksgiving that doesn’t lessen at all, when a soul is able to be led to the Savior and I see the light of life come into dead eyes. When understanding dawns, it is so evident. I never want to lose the thrill and the joy and the rejoicing of the lost being found. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”