January 11, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
Luke 15 (The Parables of The Lost)
So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? – Luke 15:3-4 (NLT)
“One Amazing Shepherd”
One of the things I love about the parables of Jesus is that they tell us so much about the nature and character of God. The parable of the lost sheep is a great example. Look at what we learn from our passage today.
God notices. Anyone with kids will tell you that the more kids you have the harder they are to keep up with. But God has a keen eye. He never slumbers or sleeps, and His gaze is constantly upon His Flock. When any one of us heads off in a direction that moves us away from His protection, God sees. He doesn’t take a casual approach toward a missing sheep. Like a caring lifeguard constantly scanning the water, God is actually looking for that one that is going under, that one that is drifting off, that one that might be headed to dangerous waters. God SEES you today. He knows exactly where you are, what you’re facing, and what path you’re on. Yes, He has a few billion sheep here on this earth. But God notices YOU!
God cares. Not just about the flock. He cares about YOU! He’s not a “bottom-line” God who says, “Well, it’s okay. I still have 99 more!” Not at all. Because each sheep is precious to Him, that Lost One is important to Him. He cares about your hurts. He cares about your troubles. He is a Good Shepherd who has a great heart for His Sheep. You are not a “commodity” or just “another member” of His Church. You are His Child. And He is passionate for you the way we are passionate for our children.
God seeks. This, to me, is the most unbelievable part. The Creator of the Universe chases after us. He chases after YOU! Even if you’re running away in rebellion, running away in ignorance, or running away looking for greener pastures, more exciting roads, or enticing opportunities. Kings don’t chase. Rulers don’t leave their thrones. Sheep barons don’t leave their offices. But God does. Because He’s One Amazing Shepherd. He chases after you in more ways than you will ever know. God notices you. God cares about you. God seeks you. And He won’t rest until He finds you. That’s God’s Word for you today.
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