~ by Terry Walters
Matthew 18:12-14
In the context of this parable of
the lost sheep, Jesus had said
not to harm the children and even
more so, encourage and protect them.
Then he pointed out the value of each individual,
with the Shepherd leaving the flock
to search for and save the one lost lamb.
In our world, there are so many lost sheep!
That one homeless man, that one
unwed pregnant young lady, that little
boy in the neighborhood from
a lousy home-life situation, that
widow with no family around and
apparently no church family either.
That co-worker who seems to feel trapped
in a dead-end job to support a loveless marriage.
That classmate who sits all
alone at lunch and never
gets included in the games at recess.
Sadly, the list goes on and on.
Jesus was teaching the value of every individual.
Sometimes we get so complacent with
our flock - be it our family or
our church - that we don't concern
ourselves with those who have gone astray.
Jesus reminds us that we used
to be the lost sheep, until He
went after us and brought us back.
He is interested in the other
lost sheep and we should be too!
Prayer: Father, help us to see people as You do.
Help us to see that many are
lost and need Jesus. Help us to
see that many just need a shepherd.
P.S. Bring Them In - The chorus to the old hymn says,
"Bring them in, bring them in,
bring them in from the fields of sin.
Bring them in, bring them in,
bring the wand'ring ones to Jesus!"
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