Word@Work Luke241 - Luke 15:3-7
Published: Wed, 11/24/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GOD SEARCHES OUT THE LOST
Luke 15:3-7 Then Jesus told them this parable: "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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 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." (NIV)
Sheep are rather like people. They like to be with others, but also like to make sure they can get away on their own. They are easily frightened and hate going through narrow gaps. They like going up but are frightened to go down. Therefore, when they are out on the hillside, they can easily wander off, clamber up a steep bank, and not be able to get down again. At that point, they are lost; away from the safety of the shepherd they are vulnerable to predators, and unable to take any initiative to help themselves.
Jesus used sheep as an illustration of how human beings get spiritually lost. Pride, independency, fear and an inability to find our way back to Father God on our own means that we have no hope unless somebody comes to find us. That person is Jesus! And He does not process people like herds of sheep but is concerned for each individual. Even if 99 are safe, He will search for the one who is lost. Instead of being cross with the wanderer, He is only too glad that He can carry back home those who are weary and damaged. Joy in heaven is not only a product of the greatness of God but also His goodness in searching out those who are lost.
Many of our friends and colleagues may have abandoned hope of ever finding their way to God. Foolish actions and careless words so easily ferment into an inescapable lonely trap. They use the pressure of work and family responsibilities as a way of numbing their consciences; but in the quieter moments they just feel lost. It is the same for the successful person in business or professional life. Without Shepherd Jesus close by, both failure and success will lead people to a hopeless place; but as they call to Him, He will come to bring them safely home. This message of God's love through Jesus is the good news (gospel) the church has got for the world. If you know it, pass it on.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for Your love which reaches out to weak, wandering sinners like me and my friends. I am amazed by Your desire to search for each individual, and wonder if You will use me to work with You today - bringing the news that Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. Please strengthen me for that task and give me a fresh desire to be Your witness to a world that is lost. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Sheep are rather like people. They like to be with others, but also like to make sure they can get away on their own. They are easily frightened and hate going through narrow gaps. They like going up but are frightened to go down. Therefore, when they are out on the hillside, they can easily wander off, clamber up a steep bank, and not be able to get down again. At that point, they are lost; away from the safety of the shepherd they are vulnerable to predators, and unable to take any initiative to help themselves.
Jesus used sheep as an illustration of how human beings get spiritually lost. Pride, independency, fear and an inability to find our way back to Father God on our own means that we have no hope unless somebody comes to find us. That person is Jesus! And He does not process people like herds of sheep but is concerned for each individual. Even if 99 are safe, He will search for the one who is lost. Instead of being cross with the wanderer, He is only too glad that He can carry back home those who are weary and damaged. Joy in heaven is not only a product of the greatness of God but also His goodness in searching out those who are lost.
Many of our friends and colleagues may have abandoned hope of ever finding their way to God. Foolish actions and careless words so easily ferment into an inescapable lonely trap. They use the pressure of work and family responsibilities as a way of numbing their consciences; but in the quieter moments they just feel lost. It is the same for the successful person in business or professional life. Without Shepherd Jesus close by, both failure and success will lead people to a hopeless place; but as they call to Him, He will come to bring them safely home. This message of God's love through Jesus is the good news (gospel) the church has got for the world. If you know it, pass it on.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for Your love which reaches out to weak, wandering sinners like me and my friends. I am amazed by Your desire to search for each individual, and wonder if You will use me to work with You today - bringing the news that Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. Please strengthen me for that task and give me a fresh desire to be Your witness to a world that is lost. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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