Christians are down with the idea that God doesn’t need anything from us. But I’m not sure that our activities always reflect that belief.

We act like God needs us to reach lost people.

WHAT ABOUT THE GREAT COMMISSION, JOHN?  JESUS TOLD US TO MAKE DISCIPLES!!

I know. Please stop shouting…

No question that Christ expects us to engage our culture.

No question that we are to proclaim the good news of the Gospel.

SO WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!!

I’ll tell you.  And you’re still shouting…

Jesus also told us:

“…If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? … In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:12-14)

The shepherd didn’t send the other sheep to retrieve the lost one.

Sheep wouldn’t have any idea how to do a search and rescue mission.

That’s not a slam against sheep!

They’d probably be enthusiastic in their efforts.

Sheep 1: “The shepherd wants us to go get the lost one.”

Sheep 2: “We love the shepherd!  We’ll do whatever he wants!”

Sheep 1: “I knew you’d feel that way.  Let’s get busy!”

Sheep 2: “Okay!  Let’s do it!”

• long pause while sheep stare at each other *

Sheep 1: “Well…hmmm…”

Sheep 2: “Let’s erect a building.”

Sheep 1: “…okay…why?”

Sheep 2: “We’ll gather the herd together and sing some songs.”

Sheep 1: “Go on!”

Sheep 2: “Umm…we’ll talk about how much we love the shepherd!”

Sheep 1: “Yes!”

Sheep 2: “…and how great it is to be part of his flock!”

Sheep 1: “So the lost sheep will come running back to the fold!!!”

This plan is absolutely brimming with good intentions!

To the surprise of the sheep, the lost one stays lost.

Sheep 1: “Maybe we need better lights and music.”

Sheep 2: “And love!  More love and acceptance!”

Sheep 3: “Just do SOMETHING ! The lost one will DIE and it will be our fault!”

So the flock makes changes to become more “attractive” to lost sheep.

At some point, the lost sheep wanders by and expresses himself to the others.

“I’m not lost,” he assures them. “I just don’t want to be part of this flock.”

And the sheep briefly remember something the shepherd said:

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.”

(John 6:44)

Then they forget about that and install gender-neutral bathrooms.