A Thought For The Week Of December 3

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10 - English Standard version) Why did Jesus come? As we reflect on the first week of Advent our thoughts are naturally turning to the "why?" question. That's the question faith is uniquely positioned to answer. We're not science, dealing  with "How?" questions - which are process questions; we're faith, and we deal specifically with "Why?" questions - the far more important purpose questions. So - what's our purpose? What was Jesus' purpose? The two are surely linked. Jesus didn't come so we could have pretty trees and lights and carols and manger scenes. Don't get me wrong. Those things are wonderful. I love them as much as anyone. But that's not why Jesus came. As he himself as he neared the end of his ministry, he said that he came "to seek and to save the lost." Jesus has a lot of work to do. There are a lot of lost souls out there. People who've never built a relationship with God; some who don't have much of a relationship with anyone; some whose whole existence seems to have little purpose. Jesus had a purpose: he came to save them. We have a purpose: we're here to find them for him, and to share with them Jesus' good news of salvation, peace, love, grace and eternal life. That's the answer to at least two questions: "why did Jesus come? and "why are we here?" Look around. You'll find the lost anywhere. That's not being judgmental - it's just that there are, unfortunately, a lot of people who have no sense of purpose or direction. You have something to offer them. You have the gospel of Jesus Christ and the love of God. Have a great week!