Recently, someone came looking for me. Her simple message asking me if I was coming home touched my heart. My aunt passed away and the family was coming together. My cousin wanted to see me while I was there. To be honest, I never thought that my presence or absence made a difference at family gatherings. My cousin’s gesture reminded me that I was a part of something bigger than my immediate circle and myself. I had my entire family expecting me. My cousin practiced a principle that Jesus taught while He was on earth.
In Luke 15, the Pharisees and scribes were appalled that Jesus received sinners who wanted to hear Him. Jesus addressed the religious leaders’ displeasure with a series of parables. He begins with the parable of the lost sheep.
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ (Luke 15:4-6)
In the parable, it did not matter that the man had the 99 sheep with him; he was concerned about the one that wandered off. While Jesus does go after the lost, He begins this parable by making it personal to the listeners; “What man of you…?”. This is an expectation that He has of each of us. We should go after those who are detached and distant from spiritual fellowship.
Sheep rely on their herd for safety. People may have wandered off because of life’s concerns, distractions, shame, and disillusionment. Before they realize it, they are in a wilderness alone. A sheep that is by itself makes it easier for other animals to prey on it. We know that Satan is looking to destroy the faith of believers and to lead us into all types of temptations. First Peter 5:8 reads, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We are the Body of Christ and we are stronger when we dwell together in unity.
Is there a Christian brother or sister who has wandered away from fellowship? Like me, maybe they need to be reminded that they are a part of something bigger than themselves: the family of God. Do not give up on the lost sheep in your life continue to call, text, visit, or send a card to them. Let them know through your actions that their absence is noticed and their presence is missed. The man in the parable kept searching until he found his sheep. Jesus is concerned about the one and we should be too. I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7).
For more on our ministry of reconciliation, read Everyday Evangelist.
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Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
