Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Parable of the Lost Sheep


Luke 15:3-7 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, (4) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? (5) And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (6) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. (7) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

In our last Reflecting the SON devotional, we found that sinners are Jesus’ Ideal target market.  People who’s lives are consumed and negatively affected by sin will be the most receptive and the most appreciative.  Christianity is all about creating a means by which God can seek, find, and transform sinners to servants.

In our text today, Jesus tells a parable about the extent that he loves those individuals. He tells of a scenario where a single sheep is lost.  The owner doesn’t just say...ahh, I  have 99 more...who cares.  God cares!  He cares about each individual.  He cares so much, the story goes, that the owner leaves the 99 and goes to hunt for the one lone sheep.  He hunts until he finds it.  When he does finally find it, he calls is friends together to celebrate the safe return of the sheep.

This story is told to relate the joy that heaven experiences upon the safe return of a sinner to the fold.  All men are like children to God.  He does not want to see any of his children lost or burdened by sin....That is precisely why he sent is only son.  The death of that son is the ONLY means for our safe return.

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

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