SCRIP-BITS

Ah Friends, it has pleased the Lord to bless us with another day of life on earth. And all God’s people gratefully mouthed: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Yes my brethren, thankfulness is one of those things our world sadly lacks. Look at the Pharisees in our Bit: ‘And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth (welcomes) sinners, and eateth with them.’ Instead of being thankful that they lived a good life, unlike those gathered around Jesus, they were quick to condemn and criticize Him for doing what they ought to. Unfortunately my Friends, many of us behave the same way nowadays, where instead of giving thanks for our many blessings, our first reaction is to be critical of the good deed that someone else is trying to accomplish. But Jesus was so self-assured and confident in His task that He didn’t let the hypocrite naysayers distract Him from doing the job He was sent to do; namely save sinners. Likewise, we should not allow our critics to stop us from doing God’s work. I like how Jesus always showed them up for what they truly were, a bunch of men-pleasers and law-keepers, oppressors of the poor, unfortunate and downtrodden, who weren’t willing to lift a hand to help any outside of their circle. In this particular case, Jesus tells them three parables to prove His point. The first is that of the lost sheep, where the shepherd loses a sheep but doesn’t rest until he finds it, then comes home rejoicing with it draped over his shoulder. And when he gets home, the happy shepherd calls all his friends and neighbours together, saying: ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just (upright ) persons, which need no repentance.’ (Luke 15:6-7) And it’s good to see that the scholars, in their scriptural wisdom, describe this parable as painting a poignant picture of God’s searching LOVE for all His creation, as well as a telling rebuke to the murmurs and whispers of the Jewish elite in our Bit. The second parable is that of the lost coin, where a woman having ten pieces of silver, (drachma: a valuable silver coin often worn in a ten piece garland by married women) if she loses one piece, she immediately lights a candle and thoroughly searches her house until she finds it. And when she does: ‘Hallelujah!’ She invites all her friends and neighbours over, saying: ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.’ (Luke 15:9-10) Jesus is here making the point that if a woman and her friends can celebrate the recovery of one coin, and a shepherd finds joy in rescuing one sheep, then how much more important and to be praised is the repentance and salvation of one sinner. It also disproves the theory of our God being formal and aloof from human efforts, for Jesus is here teaching His overwhelming concern for each individual. Then we come to the all-encompassing parable of the prodigal son, which we know so well. It’s like many of us who forsake God and go our own way in pursuit of our fleshly lusts. However, when our dissolute living causes the bucket bottom to drop out, and everything crash, we realize the error of our ways and come running back to God. And amazingly, the Father welcomes us back with wide opened arms, unconcerned about our past mistakes and failures, just happy to have us safely back home. He doesn’t even listen to our apologies etc. simply breaks out rejoicing and calls for a big welcome home party. Meanwhile, the elder son, who would have reaped the most benefits from the father’s estate, grouses and grumbles, just like the scribes, the Pharisees and many of us. He even refuses to attend the party. But the Father with untold patience and LOVE, gently rebukes him: ‘Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet (right) that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.’ (Luke 15:31-32) Oh Friends, all of that just shows how important we are to our heavenly Father; even the most atrocious and despicable sinner is very welcome in His house. Remember, it’s His fervent desire to lose no human soul to Beelzebub. As Jesus says: ‘And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.’ (John 6:39) Therefore my people, let’s help Jesus accomplish that task by going out and doing our duty nuh, bringing lost souls to Him. More on this topic tomorrow, God willing. Till then, be good, LOVE your God, LIVE your Faith, and SPREAD His Word. Much LOVE!…every human soul is important to Christ…with no exceptions…