The Ninety Nine

July 9

(Luke 15:7 NIV)  "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

(Matthew 4:19 NIV)  ""Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.""

(Acts 1:8 NIV)  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.""

It is fashionable today to critique Christians who speak of “sin” and “salvation”. Christ’s teaching about being “lost” is seen as archaic, even derogatory. We are told to love people more, and who could argue with more love in this hate- filled world? But the “ninety-nine” must also be about finding those who are lost. Perhaps if we spent less time critiquing one another and trying to rewrite the job description Jesus gave us, we could be more effective at this task. Jesus loved the lost and treated them with respect. But He always spoke the truth to them and called them out of darkness. The salvation package is incomplete without the bow of repentance, and repentance will seem unnecessary where there is no awareness of sin. The “ninety-nine” are called to join God’s rescue team. Jesus is the only one who saves people, but we can bring them to Him. This is our calling. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day