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What a wonderful ministry we have been called to. I love to sing. I long to sing. Each Sunday morning I look forward to spending time with my church family praising the Lord.
Recently I was reading Luke 15 which tells the story of 3 lost things.
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep
- The Parable of the Lost Coin
- The Parable of the Lost Son
Interestingly I noticed that in the first two parables the sheep and the coin were looked for. The shepherd left the 99 and went looking for the first. The woman swept every corner of the house and carefully searched for the lost coin. Jesus said there would be great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repents.The last parable of the lost son was allowed to wander, his life went bad, real bad, and he came to his senses and returned to His Father. When he did he was welcomed and a celebration feast was held in his honour.
Two looked for, searched for, one allowed to leave and not followed. Three celebrations.
Jesus was teaching us something about our working winning lost souls. We must go after and seek out those with whom we can share the gospel. Those who have walked away from God and returned to worldly living, we must allow them their free choice. We must allow to experience the consequential pain of separation form God. Not because we are unkind, but so as they will come to their senses and return to their Father. When they do, let’s welcome them with open arms. NO condemnation. In all cases let us celebrate and rejoice when reconciliation happens.
What does this have to do with worship leading? Plenty.
It is important to remember the commission we have to preach the gospel to every creature. When choosing a song list, pray for the lost, the harvest of souls to come in, pray for the prodigal to return to the Father. Consider this PLOUGHING THE GROUND.
Choose songs that contain a proclamation of the gospel. Consider the lyrics and who may hear them during the service. We proclaim Christ in the content of our songs. Consider this SOWING SEED.
Once we have ploughed the ground and sowed the seed, there are some things that are out of our control. Weather conditions. We can liken the work of the Holy Spirit to SUNSHINE and RAIN. Providing the conditions for the seed to grow and produce.
We must defend the seed we have sown by WEEDING and fending off disease and pests that seek to devour. Push back the enemy with the word, prayer and praise. Pull out error and deception.
Finally, REAP. As Billy Graham says, “Go for the decision!” Know how to lead people to Christ, as they repent and believe.
Great is the celebration in Heaven in the presence of His holy angels!
