Keeping the Big Picture perspective

Barry O’Farrell must be feeling quite chuffed. A recent poll points to an overwhelming Coalition victory in the next NSW state election with even bookmakers suggesting that the Coalition have odds of almost five to one. Even Bob Hawke has conceded that Labor will not do well come March, admitting that, “Basically what our job is is to make sure that we hold, win as many seats as we possibly can.” (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/05/3130903.htm?section=justin).

Now, we don’t want to take that statement out of context. Mr Hawke was talking about the coming elections and the best long-term strategy for the party. We are also aware that many politicians work hard to serve the people, and we should do our best to support them. Nevertheless, that statement seemed to encapsulate a popular sentiment among many voters these days. In the last federal election, many polls seemed to indicate that the public had lost faith in the major political parties because they had lost the big picture and were more interested in winning positions than serving the people. And sometimes churches can forget the big picture too.

Luke 15 starts with all manner of socially unacceptable folk surrounding and listening to Jesus. Some religious leaders notice this and start making snide remarks about the company He keeps. Jesus then goes on to tell them three parables: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son. While the religious leaders were so focused on keeping the different rules and regulations which they thought was important, they had forgotten the big picture: God loves all people, and strangely enough (as the first two parables indicate), He seems to care especially for those who are furthest away from Him.

As churchgoers, we too can sometimes forget God’s heart for the lost. The Gospels tell us of a God with a passionate desire for all people to find peace, hope and joy through a relationship with Himself. That is why Jesus came. As God’s chosen people, let us be aware of why we are here. Firstly, to walk humbly before God, but secondly, to be messengers of His scandalous grace to all humanity.