Lost Sheep
“What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?” Matthew 18:12 (NASB)
One of the common occurrences in my childhood was seeing livestock wandering where they should not be. Most of the time it was when I would be out for a walk in the fields and woods that surrounded our village, and returning the wanderer back to the herd was relatively easy. I remember looking out the window one wet morning and cattle were roaming the gardens; they were soon herded by the farmer who someone had phoned. At least they left something that was handy for folks roses. I think it is the rural illustrations in the Bible that help me to understand what God is saying, like today’s verse.
We often hear this verse used in reference to church congregations; the flock of the Lord in the care of His chosen shepherd – the Pastor. Sadly, sheep are prone to wander off for any number of reasons, and sadder still they may go unnoticed for some time. I am of the opinion the care of vulnerable sheep in our fellowship is not just the duty of the Pastor or Deacons; it is the duty of the whole fellowship to care for each other. The Biblical proof of this communal duty is seen in the “One Another” statements in God’s Word; read them and put them into practice brethren!
Dear Reader, have you missed someone at church recently? Have you enquired after them whether they are ill, and have you prayed for them? This does not only apply to church; we should look out for our elderly neighbours too; a wee chat over the doorstep is as good an example of care as anything else. What about your e-friend whose blog you haven’t seen for a wee while; a short message by email/messenger is a good way to remind them that you care, and that you are praying for them. So brethren, who is missing in your life lately?
Alan Kearns is a Christian father and grandfather from Scotland. He was raised in the mining villages of Fife and came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1984. A major influence that leads Alan to Jesus was his Christian mum, grandparents and an aunt. Alan writes regular devotionals in his blog Devotional Treasures
https://devotionaltreasure.wordpress.com/
Photo by Aaron Burden on Freely Photos
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