Trey H. Little

Sermon Text:  Luke 15: 1-7

February 27, 2011

Albany, Texas

“Bieber Fever”

This morning I want to invite you to open your Bibles to Luke 15.

Luke 15 is one of the most interesting chapters in all of the Gospels.  In it, we find three different stories from Jesus about being lost and then found.  All three of these parables speak of the joy of God at the repentance of a single sinner.  We should rejoice with God at the repentance of sinners but we should also always trust in God and know that He will continue to search for the lost while protecting the found.

Let’s listen to God’s word.

            Well, as many of you know, I wasn’t feeling 100% last Sunday.  My voice was a bit scratchy, my body was a bit achey and my nose was a bit runny.  However, as of this time last Sunday morning, thankfully, I had not yet had a fever.  But I am here to tell you, that all changed by later that afternoon!  I mean, by 3:30 last Sunday afternoon I had “a fever.”  In fact, I still have “a fever” this morning—in fact, I may even be contagious.  Aren’t you all feeling comfortable?

This “fever” I am speaking of is not brought on by a virus or bug—this fever is brought on by a 16 year old entertainment sensation—his name is Justin Bieber—I have “Bieber Fever.”  I can’t believe that I am actually saying that in public—in fact, I think I must actually be sick to admit that I went to see the Justin Bieber movie last Sunday afternoon—and enjoyed it.  The movie has made over 50 million dollars since its release only a couple of weeks ago.  Mike Golic of ESPN Radio’s “Mike and Mike Show” gave it 4 donuts out of a possible 5.  This movie is the real deal! 

Last Sunday, my daughter Layne—who by the way had just seen the movie the day before, asked me if I would go see it with her again on Sunday after church.  To be honest with you—it wasn’t a movie that I thought I would ever go and see—especially last Sunday.  My friend Fred Couples was atop the leader board of the Northern Trust Open and was attempting to become the oldest winner on the PGA Tour.  I had intended on watching his every shot.  However, I wasn’t about to pass up a date with my 16 year old daughter—even if it meant going to a Justin Bieber movie.

            Now listen, the movie was very good.  The movie tells the story of how Justin shot to stardom.  It gives evidence of his faith and the faith of the friends and family around him.  It offers glimpses into his childhood—as if he still wasn’t a child—and the influence certain people have had in his life and career.  But what struck me about the movie was the impact an entertainer can have on the world.  Everywhere he goes—there are screaming fans—albeit mostly young girls.  People are awestruck by his every word and move.  Concert venues are selling out within minutes.  Listen, I cried in the movie—more than once!!!  I am telling you—“Bieber Fever” is quickly becoming and epidemic! 

Imagine how differently our world would look if Christians got “Jesus Fever.”  Imagine if we would—assuming we charged to go to church—sell out worship services in minutes. Imagine if we screamed and yelled and cried with pure joy at every word and move Jesus made.  Imagine if we would do anything just for the opportunity to see Him—let alone get to meet Him.   

The reality is, the fleshly side of us is more prone to worship a teenaged sensation than the God of all creation.

But that’s why I love the parable of The Lost Sheep.  I know this story is familiar to many of you—in fact, many of you probably had heard this parable before the age of 16.  But this is one of the classics in all of God’s word.  This story is one that we need to hear over and over again—it’s like pushing replay on your favorite song.

Here’s why:  we need to be reminded that the Gospel is still Good News.  We need to know with certainty that when we are lost we can still be found.  We need to be assured that the Good Shepherd cares about every single one of His sheep—even if the sheep wander away.

Jesus said:  “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.  Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

Now I know what some of you are thinking—“What about the 99?”  It’s not their fault that one of the other sheep wandered off from the flock.  Who’s going to watch out for the 99 while the shepherd is off looking for the one who shouldn’t have been out wandering in the first place?  Now all of the sheep are in jeopardy.”

Sadly, that is an attitude that many of us Christians take today.  We are so focused on ourselves that we lose sight of the lost.  We wonder more about how the church is going to take care of us than how we can reach out to “them.”  If people keep going out and trying to find the lost then who is going to give us what we need?  Think about it—that may have something to do with the reason why the majority of churches aren’t “selling out” but instead they are being cleaned out.

The shepherd knew the 99 would be protected—he would never leave them nor forsake them nor would he rest until the lost one was found. 

Jesus went on to say:  “And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.”

What a beautiful image, don’t you think?  The shepherd searched out the lost sheep and when he found it, instantly began to carry it—as if to say, “I’ve got you now—you belong to me—you are safe now—let’s go home.”

Friends, there is comfort in knowing we too have a Shepherd who not only seeks us but when He finds us He will carry us to safety.  He promises to protect us.  He promises to take care of us.  Perhaps you are at a place where you are feeling alone—where you are in need of assurance—perhaps you need to be reminded that the Everlasting Arms of The Good Shepherd are strong enough to carry you?

Jesus continues:  “Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”    

I am convinced that one of the obstacles between us and a deep fellowship with Jesus is lack of repentance.  To “repent” literally means to “turn around.”  It means to acknowledge our lostness; to seek our Savior; to receive His forgiveness; and then turn around and go where He leads.

But repentance can be difficult—admitting our lostness can be tough—but when we do, I assure you there will be great rejoicing!  This morning I want to challenge you to ask yourself—“Do I believe God’s grace is sufficient enough to find me where I am?”

If your answer is “yes’ then I want to ask you to surrender to His grace.  Turn from your sin and turn toward God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  Allow The Good Shepherd to find you.  Quit hiding from His amazing grace.  Step out into the open—get center stage where He can see you just as you are and allow Him to change your heart.  He longs to rejoice over you.  He loves you so much.  He is your biggest fan and desires for you to be His biggest fan.  He desires for us to have “Jesus Fever.”

Let me close with this.  The closing scene of the Justin Bieber film was one of the times when I was brought to tears.  The entire movie had built up to this point—at 16 years old Bieber was finally going to reach the pinnacle of the entertainment world—to play a sold out concert at Madison Square Garden.  There he was, thousands of screaming fans all around—the smoke and lights on the stage were beautifully in sync—and then you hear Justin’s voice saying, “I got a little motto to live by.  There are gonna be times in your life when people tell you that you can’t do something—like sell out MSG (Madison Square Garden).  There is gonna be times when people say that you can’t live your dreams—this is what I tell em---NEVER SAY NEVER.”

Friends, that’s what Jesus is telling us today in His parable of The Lost Sheep—NEVER SAY NEVER!!  You are NEVER beyond the grace of God in Jesus Christ.  We need to hear that over and over again.  But also, we need to tell others! 

Jesus said:  “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

How are you feeling?  Do you feel “The Fever” coming on?  Do be afraid to admit it in public!

AMEN.