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Parable of the Lost Sheep
There is always incredible joy that comes with discovering that to which we have written off as lost. JESUS uses this parable to illustrate the greed in men, specifically, the Pharisees. The big difference between us and CHRIST is that we take pride in material possessions while He relishes in finding lost men. This brings me back to why this has such strong meaning to me.
I was just like the Pharisees. I took pride in the material world. My life was selfish and empty. I cared about my possessions and what others thought of me. It was an extremely lonely place. Then, JESUS found me.
The beautiful thing about Christianity is how the love of CHRIST changes us from the inside out. We no longer live our lives for us but for Him. It’s all about the blood of JESUS.
One of my favorite parts of the service on Sundays is the baptisms. I always feel connected to the person getting baptized, even if I do not really know them because the story is the same. We were lost and now, by the grace of GOD, we are found.
In a world where greed and jealousy are all around us, it is amazing to know another person has entered into a personal relationship with the living GOD. What incredible joy it is to share the love of CHRIST. I am overwhelmed to know that GOD does not love me less, but rejoices in the repentance of a sinner that has come home. I am also reminded that GOD calls each of us to be shepherds. To go and search for the lost and to carry them on our shoulders and bring them back to the flock. So that we can take part in the celebration that comes from finding the lost and bringing them home.
A mentor of mine once said that we cannot answer prayers, but we can pray that GOD will use us to answer the prayers of another. As for me, I want to live as it says in James 5:19-20 “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death.”
The sin of a wanderer will be forgiven by GOD through the blood CHRIST shed for us on the cross. I am so glad for those who searched for me and took me home to my Heavenly Father!
man if those baptisms on Sunday mornings don’t stir you, you need to check your pulse. I hope I always feel that connection with someone being dunked. I think it’s a GRACE connection. It’s a GRACE reminder. GRACE really is amazing. I can’t forget this. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but when we have a baptism on sunday mornings I get goose bumps, I get excited, and I feel a wave of joy washing over me. And then I remember my own baptism and the joy I felt then and am still feeling over this wondrous gift God has given us. Amazing GRACE.
I too am glad for those who found you (Eddie) and led you home to your Heavenly Father!!!!:-) I am also thankful for my family who prayed fervently for me while I was “wandering”. Mostly, I am grateful for Jesus who saved me with His amazing grace!
Thank you for writing this and for the awesome reminder.
Ed (Eddie), thanks for this reminder, buddy. THIS is what IT is all about! We are born, we live, and die, and take up space and oxygen for an average of 75 years. A drop in the bucket compared to eternity. There are only a few things that will last: GOD, The WORD of GOD, the SOULS of Men and Women. The real question is “WHERE will those souls exist in ETERNITY?” In inexpressible joy with CHRIST or separated in everlasting suffering and darkness. For one who has struggled with spiritual apathy his whole life, I am thankful for this reminder of God’s GRACE, our NEED, and what is really important. Thanks, Eddie, for the GOOD WORD! Phil 1:9-11
Ed…uh…Eddie…thanks for writing this my friend! Thanks for your words, your family, your friendship (F4E)…and the way God has wired you to be an encouragement to others. Thanks for the reminder of how much we are loved by God that He searches us out…WOW!