SCRIPTURE
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4)
OBSERVATION
Non believers, sinners of all sorts were among the crowds that had gathered to hear Jesus. Religious leaders and His disciples were among the diverse group. I would imagine that varied heart conditions who were a part of the crowds were: curious, calloused, rebellious, inquiring, teachable and needy.
What a profound illustration Jesus gives, that contradicts man made leadership. A Shepherd who would go after 1 wounded, lost, needy sheep and leave the group of 99 who still looks to you, admires you, needs you?
WHAT? Love for one person when you have so much to do for and with the 99? The vision is large, the mission overwhelmingly important. the work, the planning, the recruiting, the outreaches, the prayer meetings and conferences.... The work is far to great and valuable to literally go after one person?
What a profound illustration Jesus gives, that contradicts man made leadership. A Shepherd who would go after 1 wounded, lost, needy sheep and leave the group of 99 who still looks to you, admires you, needs you?
WHAT? Love for one person when you have so much to do for and with the 99? The vision is large, the mission overwhelmingly important. the work, the planning, the recruiting, the outreaches, the prayer meetings and conferences.... The work is far to great and valuable to literally go after one person?
APPLICATION
You, my Great Shepherd would leave 99 because you have love for the one? C'mon.... that's 1% - of 99% who need, value and love You! But Lord... we've got work to do! How can we afford time for just 1?
OH GOD! You are ripping my soul apart for the one! I'd rather be with the 99, than go after the 1... sometimes. Well, my heart is to go after the 1, but I'm so tired and have enough energy to lead and love the 99. I can hardly type any more!!! I'm done - I gotta go.... go repent, get on my knees and sort my heart with You out!!!
OH GOD! You are ripping my soul apart for the one! I'd rather be with the 99, than go after the 1... sometimes. Well, my heart is to go after the 1, but I'm so tired and have enough energy to lead and love the 99. I can hardly type any more!!! I'm done - I gotta go.... go repent, get on my knees and sort my heart with You out!!!
PRAYER
Have mercy on me Lord - Have MERCY on ME! And you said... "You are my "one" Rod - I went after you!" OH GOD - I REPENT for my cold, calloused love for the 1%!
