“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ Then Jesus told this parable: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent.
Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:1-10
“You are fellow citizens,…you belong to God’s household.” Ephesians 2:19
Where do you belong? That is, where are the places and relationships where you feel welcomed and valued by others; where you in turn feel yourself free and able to contribute to the life and liveliness of those places and relationships?
John Indermark says that if you take Paul’s declaration seriously, you belong in church. Do not hear that in an accusatory or scolding tone, as a truant officer might reprimand a student skipping class with “you belong in school.” Rather, hear “you belong in church” as an invitation offered with a welcome and valuing of who you are extended your way.
Consider the original context of Paul’s words. Ephesians 2 sought to reconcile two long-separated groups. The conventional wisdom was that Jews and Gentiles did not belong together and, thus, need not welcome or value one another. Traditions and prejudices on both sides enforced that state of affairs. But into that divide comes the reconciling message of Christ. “Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group” (2:14).
In other words, you belong. And be reminded, that YOU in that affirmation is plural. You and I do not belong to Christ as isolated individuals. You and I belong to a reconciled community. The images of “fellow citizens” and “God’s household” reveal that sense of community inherent in our belonging.
“Fellow citizens” reminds you and me that the community of faith is grounded in an equality of standing among its members. The old barriers between Jews and Gentiles have been abolished. And in that spirit of peace, Christ continues to break down the new barriers that are asserted from time to time. Progressives versus evangelicals. Straights versus gays. Those who insist on the apostolic succession of bishops versus those who do not. Bama fans verses the other team. Sides are often taken, and aspersions are often cast, with the claim that Christ is on our side. In Ephesians’ truth, Christ is not about side-taking but peace-making.
Do you experience such peace marked by welcome and valuing of self and others in God’s household? If not, it is because of human sin and pride. If not, it becomes your call and mine to insist on Christ’s welcome and valuing of those who come seeking a place to belong.
Christ’s peace comes in the embodiment of this insistent message: “You belong.” In the community of Christ, you are welcomed. In the community of Christ, you are valued.
In what ways have you experienced welcome and being valued in and from the church?
In what ways might you extend such welcoming and valuing to someone you see in need of belonging?
Heavenly Father, we are thankful that you come after us when we get lost and we are even more thankful that you rejoice when we are returned to the flock. We are humbled at the fact that no matter what we have done, we still belong to You, we still matter, we are still the apple of Your eye. Help us to act accordingly with humility and love to return that same grace to our fellow citizens. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
