LOST BUT FOUND
TUESDAY 27 JUNE 2023
The parable of the lost sheep represents a soul that is separated or has departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not brought back to Him. However, the meaning of the parable is so clear that it requires but little in the way of explanation, yet it's so significant to sustaining our salvation in Christ and also God coming to the rescue of mankind which had fallen and wandered from Him.
Reference: Luke 15:4-5 Good News Translation (GNT) 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them--what do you do? You leave the other ninety-nine sheep in the pasture and go looking for the one that got lost until you find it. When you find it, you are so happy that you put it on your shoulders.'
In life, I have never met any person who likes to lose things, let alone loved ones. For instance, my friend once lost track of her son in a shopping mall. She left him behind while walking into a store in a shopping mall. He had wandered off by himself to another part of the building, and because her mind was obsessed with the shopping items she needed to purchase, she walked in a hurry and didn't look back to find out if her son was following the pace of her steps.
When she realised it, she abandoned the whole shopping and ignored the items on her mind immediately, and ran back in search of the stranded little boy, wondering where he would be. Imagine that as a sudden change in her plan and pursuit! All of a sudden, this lady felt so horrible and went back and forth within the building to find him!
When we lose something that's important to us, we have a sense of urgency to find it right away. The above story helps us understand how seriously God takes it when a person is lost in life- for He loves us more deeply than we can imagine. Think about God giving His best, because He loves the whole world (see John 3:16).
In this parable, Jesus explained that His Father would leave behind everything else and do whatever it takes to bring His lost child home and He did it by sacrificing His only beloved Son. This is indeed an uncommon demonstration of unconditional love and concern designed to bring a huge comfort to us- and give our understanding a new meaning and definition.
As Christians, we meet the lost on a daily basis. We also know people whose journey of faith has become derailed because of challenges, doubts, questions or conflicts. Perhaps it is a friend or even a great leader in Christ you used to know. Maybe they've have wandered away from God and are now lost. Here's the golden news: God doesn't forget any of us, no matter how far we might wander.
God is still in the business of locating every lost person and restoring them as His beloved child so that they can have and enjoy life to the full and also fulfil His purpose for their lives. So it's not too late to go for them and redirect them to God's love. We can start by praying and interceding for them. Then we take a step to remind them of God's eternal love. Its our responsibility because God has given us the ministry of reconciliation as His ambassadors here on great planet earth (see 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).
The Bible says, "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" (Luke 15:7 NLT). By the Spirit, your prayers and reminders will always work. And when they are finally home, the celebration is amazing because heaven will be full of joy!
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 53:10-11; Isaiah 62:5; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:16.
Guided Prayer Awesome Father, thank you for your plan to rescue mankind and bring those who believe in Christ into eternal fulfilment. By saving me and granting me the grace to become Christ's ambassador on earth, I'm empowered to reconcile the lost to you and help them live to fulfil your purpose for their lives, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Comments