For many years we have heard and read about the parable of the lost sheep. We see that this parable carries the themes of loss, searching, and rejoicing. But rather importantly, it intends to lay bare the nature of the divine response to the recovery of the lost. By the lost, it could mean those that have not received Jesus as their Lord and savior but are a ready harvest, or those that have been brought to the sheepfold already but then later stray in someway or another.
As a matter of fact, this parable has for most of the time, been interpreted to us from the perspective of those that are a ready harvest, those that have not yet come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, which is true and totally understandable.
I just thought about it in the perspective of those that have believed and tasted of the mysteries of the kingdom and then, somehow due to various reasons, strayed or failed along the way; those that have been considered as fallen, indifferent and rebellious. Such are my concern and the basis of today’s conversation.
He told them this parable. “Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it? When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing. When he comes home, he calls together his friends, his family and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.” Luke 15:3–7
It is told that whenever a sheep lost its way or strayed from the rest, the shepherd always left the rest to search for the one that strayed, leaving the rest surrounded with a pile of sticks to give them some form of boundary. Once he found the “one” he would carry it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
In some instances, it is told that the shepherd would break the sheep’s leg, and then take care of the wounded leg until it recovers and the sheep is able to walk on its own. This was intended to create a bond between him and the sheep such that it can develop a caring relationship with the shepherd and learn to stay with with him.
Looking at this comprehensively, I realized that it is possible to be “The ninety nine”, and “The one” in the different phases of life, in some way or another. You only need to be honest with yourself before God to realize where you are and what kind of help you need from Him because He is always there, in some way, willing to help.
Many times, because of the lust of the flesh or the pride of life, the “one” will find themselves in such spaces as lost or strayed. We all know that we are not perfect in the flesh, but the God’s strength is perfected in our weakness only by grace. Paul tells us to judge ourselves that we may not be judged, and usually when you are able to be vulnerable before God, it helps to firstly be redeemed through His undying mercy, and also learn how to walk with other people in their different phases of life without judging them. Someone you knew as “The ninety nine” at a particular time, could be “The one” and most probably needs recovery or redemption.
The ultimate question is, How should we handle the recovery of the lost, as ambassadors of Christ?, what should be the attitude of reconciliation?, How should we treat those that “strayed”? And may be to make it more personal, “How is your attitude towards those that have strayed or lost the way?” As you ponder on this, let me remind you that the Bible says “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you!”
Oh that we may learn to pray for, look out for, and care for one another that the seasons of this life will not overwhelm us. That we shall find the answers we are looking for with the shepherd and not outside him. That we shall be able to realize that the lost are sheep too, because according to the parable, the lost “one” was a sheep before, part of the 100, and when it is lost, it remains a sheep that needs to be recovered or redeemed; At least most of the time!
If you are feeling lost and away from God, you can be sure that He is searching for you. He will go to the lengths to find you and to rescue you with His Grace and Love.
Is that you today? Are you ready to respond to Jesus’ Love for you? If you do, just grab hold of His staff and He will get you out of that pit; He will untangle you from the bushes, calm the storms and lead you to a life of eternal Love. All you need to do is trust Him.
And you feel you are “the ninety nine”, then always remember that we all need a savior, a shepherd and a father; and all “the one” needs is open arms, a second chance and a love that reigns above all judgment, bias and condemnation.
Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation]. No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. 1Cor10:12-13
Glory to God our helper, our savior, redeemer and friend. To whom all Praise is due.
Hallelujah
Stay Blessed.
#WiGTyT
