#23 – why were we found?

John 20:21

Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

How was Jesus sent?

He gave up convenience and comfort in Heaven for poverty and suffering on earth.

He gave up reputation and honor in Heaven for criticism and slander on earth. 

He left a good situation with a great commission to find us.

He now sends the found in similar fashion to find people like we used to be: lost people who won't be found without a flashlight going into their darkness. 

What have you given up to get more God?

What have you given up to get after your neighbor? 

Lost people will not come looking for us.
We must get out and fish in their ponds. 

The found must not be content with merely checking "found" as their facebook status.

We were found for a reason: to find more. 

Are you looking for the lost or are you too busy looking for comfort and convenience for yourself?  We often imagine making time for other people when we have more time someday because we are always faithful to spend our first and best time on ourselves today. 

Repent.

Be sent.

Find more. 

Heavenly Father, we love You.  We are so grateful that You sent Jesus to look for us.  We were not looking for You.  We were content being lost. Send Your Spirit to convict us of our selfishness.  Send Your Spirit to help us surrender with glad hearts our time, talents, treasures, lives and livelihoods in order to free us up to find more lost people.  Help us not to forget how helpless and without hope we were before someone gave up something in order to gain us for You.  Inspire us to be generous.  Commission us to be finders.  Equip us to run after the lame. All for You, all for our good. Amen.