The Vine is a community of people lingering with God, learning from God
and loving like God together in Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Takeaway Tuesday - Celebration?

So yesterday I was watching the news. And I saw a whole bunch of people celebrating the reported death of Osama Bin Laden. Setting aside whether or not this is truth or not and whilst still deeply considering the gross atrocities cited against him, I was still left with a bad taste in my mouth. And I thought about this passage:

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 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. (Luke 15:1-7, New International Version, ©2011)

As Christians we are called to be a peculiar people who live our lives to the praise and glory of our Father, God, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. And I had to wonder whether or not I'd be jumping up and down and cheering with that crowd. And in which option my actions would be considered loving and just by the God of Justice.

What's your takeaway snack from these thoughts?