John 8:2-11

 

10 Markers of a Healthy Missional Church - Marker #3
 
Have you ever had someone come to your rescue?
 
The opening scene of the classic novel The Outsiders depicted 14 year old, Ponyboy Curtis getting jumped as he walked home alone from a movie. His assailants were “The Socs” (abbreviated from Socials); rich kids with socially respectable families. He is rescued by his own gang, The Greasers, poor kids from rough families on the wrong side of the tracks. Ponyboy was bruised, bloodied, and shaken; but he was rescued before suffering any significant harm. The scene immediately establishes our sympathy for the Greasers, and Ponyboy particularly. The scene stirs our empathy toward this sensitive boy, we need him to be protected, and we want just punishment for his assailants.
 
When I think about the people that I truly admire, I think about people who seek to improve the lives of others. The people who seem to be the most alive and most satisfied with their own lives, tend to be people who commit themselves to alleviating the suffering of others. True life is found through becoming a living expression of compassion, mercy, and justice; even at great personal cost. The life and vitality of our church flourishes as we participate in life giving ministries of compassion, mercy, and justice.