Our Missionary Jesus
Scripture Reading — Luke 19:1-10
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Luke 19:10
Do you know your purpose in life? Jesus did. When Jesus had dinner with Zacchaeus, he knew the religious leaders were upset because he was hanging out with a tax collector who had become rich from people’s hard-earned wages. With a laser focus on his purpose Jesus clarifies why he was on earth: to reach people who needed the embrace of God’s forgiveness and love.
When I (Allen) was young, I was often sent out to the barn to feed the calves. My mission was clear. But, as a typical kid, I was easily distracted by other wonderful things: a dog to play with, a bike to ride, a basketball to shoot. I’d actually go back into the house having forgotten to do what I was sent to do.
Most of us get distracted or sidetracked every day from our purposes. Not Jesus. He saw the crowds of his day, and he sees them today. He sees Zacchaeus up a tree. He sees you and me. Moved with a heart of love and compassion, he saw the people who needed his shepherding love as “harassed and helpless” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus never forgot why the Father had sent him.
Do you know God’s purpose for your life? Do you really believe you are also sent? Has God called you to his mission? Think about what it means to be a part of God’s “fountain of sending love” (David Bosch).
God, please forgive me for the times I’ve not understood or accepted my role in your mission. Forgive me for getting distracted. Show me how I am called to your kingdom work. Amen.
About the author — Allen & Lynn Likkel
Revs. Allen and Lynn Likkel have worked in communities across North America for many years—planting churches, nurturing them along, and developing new church leaders. A minister in the Christian Reformed Church, Allen served with Christian Reformed Home Missions for nearly 40 years, and Lynn, also ordained as a minister of the Word, has served to build leaders and new congregations. In November 2010, Allen entered retirement, and the Likkels moved to Washington, their native state. They have four adult children.
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