In this section of the gospel, Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God, by telling a couple of stories about losing and finding – a shepherd pursuing a lost sheep and a woman looking for a lost coin. Through this passage we see God’s delight in every person who turns to Him – it is never too late to commit your life to following Jesus, just as Rev David Barrett preached about last Sunday.

While we know that ‘God shows no favouritism’ (Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11), there are also occasions where, with wisdom, we can discern that treating everyone the same can in fact result in favouritism, by leaving a vulnerable person unsupported when it would be in the interests of justice to show care, break down barriers and ensure equity and accessibility.

By being a caring church, we can walk in the footsteps of Jesus by seeking the lost with God’s joy. Of course, referring to people as ‘lost’ can sometimes come across as a bit demeaning, indicating that there are insiders and outsiders – everyone would prefer to be a found person, rather than a lost person! So, while this metaphor is useful, it is also important to show love in humility, knowing that God’s grace is for all people. There will be situations in which we are ‘lost’ and we can learn from the wisdom of others who are ‘found’.

God’s grace is also for all creation, which is a particularly pertinent reminder as we celebrate Season of Creation. As human beings, we hold great power and responsibility, even though it sometimes feels like there is so much out of our control. We don’t hold the power of God, but whenever we do have influence, we are encouraged by Jesus to exercise that authority in the same way He would – by serving others rather than seeking to be served.

This approach can also apply to the Earth. How might we make decisions which walk gently upon this land? This question is one which some of us have been exploring through Scripture, science and personal stories as part of Wesley’s Season of Creation creative Bible studies. From recycling to advocacy, gardening to mending our clothes, each of us is able to do our part to care well for God’s creation. In the meantime, we can also give thanks and remember that we are God’s good creations, too.

Blessings — Pastor Abbey