Good morning strong, anointed, blessed, forgiven, prosperous, encouraged, enlightened, truth filled, healed and whole followers of Jesus Christ!
Luke 15:3-7
“So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
As we read this verse it is typical for our focus to be on the one who is lost and the joy brought to heaven over a lost sinner repenting and turning to God, praise God that is wonderful and I know we all celebrate for their salvation. My question this morning is not about the one but what about the ninety-nine? The Lord has kept this verse on my heart for several days now and the focus has not been on the one that was saved but instead on the ninety-nine that are left. As I was studying for this message I read an article that stated during this time in history an average flock size was about 100 sheep. When a shepherd went to look for one that had been lost they typically would leave the others with another shepherd. That is a good plan, however in context, that now means that the other shepherd has double the number of sheep to watch over. As we study through this message that is the same scenario we have in churches today. Jesus Christ is working through people and the lost are being brought to salvation, Mathew 18:14, “it is not My Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” As new believers begin coming to church or the lost return, church congregations begin to increase in size. This is the same situation that shepherds would have when another shepherd would leave to search for the one. Their flocks would increase in size and the personal attention to each sheep that the shepherd used to provide is no longer available because there are to many sheep for the one shepherd. When this occurs, where does the responsibility fall that each of the ninety-nine may be cared for? It falls to you and I, the fellow sheep. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 it states to encourage each other and build each other up while in James 1:27 it states to care for the widows and orphans. God through Christ has called each one of us to love each other (John 15:12), through that love we are called to take care of others and encourage them in times of need. As the Shepherd leaves to search for the lost, Acts 20:29 tells us that vicious wolves will enter the flock sparing none. As we know Jesus’ return is near, the wolf referenced is satan and as you look around you can see he is very active during these last days. It is more important than ever to be the salt and light for not only the church body, but those around you in your family, neighborhood, workplace or where ever you are, you are called to be Jesus’ ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). As your church body may be growing or you notice people that are no longer coming to church, I encourage you to be that ambassador and reach out, showing Christ’s love through encouragement and support and being that light in the darkness that is so desperately needed. Be blessed and through Jesus Christ be the best you can be!
Thank You Jesus for this word. The word as revealed through Your Truth that as Your ambassadors we may spread the gospel through our words and deeds. Through Holy Spirit living within and through us, Your light may shine like a lamp in the darkness. Drawing the lost to You that through that encounter their lives would be changed and eternal salvation in heaven received. We give You all the honor, glory and praise. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.
Shalom!!
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