Tuesday September 20 | The One
Read Luke 15:1-7
“Go after the one.” This parable in Luke 15 is one of the most powerful pictures of the focus of our mission found in Scripture.
The religious people in Jesus’ day were bothered that Jesus spent so much time with people who didn’t look like they thought good, religious people should look. So, he told a series of three stories in Luke 15 about someone who went looking for something that was lost.
Yesterday, we said that on the one hand, the focus of God’s mission is broad - it’s everyone. He wants to be known by all. Today, we acknowledge that God’s mission is also specific. It’s focused on every individual person. God cares not only for “the whole world” but for each one. He knows the hairs on our heads, the tears we cry. God wants to be personally known by each person that makes up the all.
The idea of “the One” might be helpful for us to consider. Jesus said that a Good Shepherd will notice “The One” sheep that is missing and leave the 99 who are safe to go find it.
We might consider who is the “One” in our lives that God might be asking us to go looking for, intentionally. As you look around at Harbor, who is missing? What person, group of people, friend, relative, isn’t sitting in the room when we gather? What does it look like for you/us to leave what feels safe to go find them?
Today, read the whole chapter of Luke 15, and spend some time praying for the One you would rejoice to see come home to God. Maybe write the initials of that person someplace you’ll see often as a reminder to pray for them and reach out to them intentionally. Pray for wisdom about how Harbor can be a community that is intentional about searching for the One and welcoming to the One when they show up.