Stories of the Kingdom from Luke: The Lost Sheep
Stories of the Kingdom from Luke:
The Lost Sheep
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Spiritual Life Officer
USA Southern Territory
Scripture: Luke 15:3-7
Steadfast love is much simpler spoken about than lived. It is much easier when the loved one behaves well, acts responsibly, returns love openly. But there are those prickly people, those ones that continually mess up, that almost dare you to love them. Who will love them?
The parable Jesus told, although using sheep as the subject matter, was really about those kinds of people. But it is also about our responsibility to seek them out. What did sheep have in common with the incessant wanderer?
Easily Lost
Sheep are easily lost. They have no sense of direction. Even if the sheepfold is in sight, they struggle to find their way to it. They don’t mean to get lost but they see some luscious grass and soon they are off the path. They look up, confused about where they are. Realizing their danger, they panic. Every sound is threatening, every shadow looks like an enemy. That’s how it happens for so many. Even in sight of the Kingdom, they struggle to find their way. And when they are on the path, it isn’t long until some little attraction or slight temptation lures them away. They see their danger and grab for a drink, a drug, a psychic reading or a lottery ticket. The quick fix, no matter how unlikely, is seen to teleport to a place of safety.
Defenseless
Sheep are defenseless. If God ever designed an animal to be easy prey, it was this one. They can’t run well. They can’t find their way. They have no defensive weapons like horns or fangs. Their only safety is the flock. On its own, a sheep is just a target. How often the sins that ruin a lifetime are presented when people are most defenseless. The first drink, the first sexual encounter, the first drug or outburst of violence seldom happens after a person reaches the age of adulthood but while still young. Though the young seldom see their vulnerability, the drug pusher knows what it is. The beer commercials show an exciting life, not the drunk in the gutter. They prey on the defenseless, snatching them as early in life as possible in order to keep them perpetual slaves.
Sheep left to their own devices, will most likely need rescuing. They are hopeless without someone interceding. That is what this story talks about. The good shepherd notices his sheep is missing and knows that without immediate action, that sheep is lost forever. The parable says that having 99 sheep safe and one lost is not good math. Every single one of the sheep needs to be accounted for, needs to be safe.
Shepherds
Jesus was also addressing those who have the responsibility to find them. Jesus’ enemies were listening, readily agreeing that a shepherd owed his sheep the rescue mission. But their regard for a dumb animal was less than they had for a lost soul.
To those who name Christ as Savior, know that you are called to seek the lost. This is not to be delegated nor is optional duty.
The shepherd has nothing on his mind but the finding the lost sheep. It is not something to do after dinner or the day after tomorrow. He sees the sheep in his mind, considers where and how the sheep got lost and where he might be, hurrying to that spot. If the sheep is not there, he looks elsewhere. Nothing else matters but getting the sheep safely home. He does not have to read a book about how to do it, or convene a committee to consider the possibilities.
How do we seek the lost? If we could be as focused on the lost as some are with their smart phones, the Kingdom of God would explode with new converts.
When the shepherd finds the sheep, he does not scold it for being stupid or lecture it about getting what it deserved. No. He picks it up and carries it on his shoulders to safety. It’s not only for the strongest or the ones with the most potential but the sick, the young, the old, the wounded. The sheep is not sought for its value to the world but because the shepherd loves it. Can we realize the pain the Heavenly Father feels when one of His sheep is missing?
Welcome Home
When it is rescued, the sheep begins to relax as it feels the warmth of the shepherd. It does not struggle because it senses the shepherd’s strength. The sheep is often carried on the shoulders, wrapped around the shepherd’s neck. It is a type of hug. The lost need to know our love for them, need to sense the strength that comes with a vibrant relationship with Christ, need to feel God’s love channeled through our hands and hearts and hugs.
“When he (the shepherd) arrives (home), he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (Luke 15:6-7).
The parable concludes with this wonderful scene of rejoicing over the lost being found. Heaven rejoices. Think of that. Every time a lost soul finds the Savior, a party erupts in Heaven!
If you are that lost sheep, know that there is a way home. Even if no earthly friend stands at your side, Jesus, the Good Shepherd is calling to you right now, ready to lift you on His shoulders and carry you to safety.
If you are one of those tasked to seek the lost, know that every lost sheep is worth the scrapes, the blood, the sweat, the strain. And know that when you bring that sheep home the party in Heaven sounds in your heart as well.
Our Corporate Prayer
O Good Shepherd, Thank You for seeking me when I was lost. Thank You for gently leading me and prodding me when I start to go astray. Help me to imitate You and in Your name, seek those who have strayed from home, who have become lost along the way. I see their faces as I pray. I pause to say the names to You now. Please bring them back home. Show me what to do if I am the one to go. Help me to trust You to lead me in this. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Switzerland, Austria & Hungary Territory
Thinking it Through
What causes someone to wander away from God? What will it take to bring them back home? What part can I play, with God's help, in bringing that one back home?
Notable Quotables
“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for." - Charles Spurgeon
We could hardly close this devotion without using that great old gospel song, "The Ninety and Nine," If you don't know this song, it is worth listening to. The lyrics accompany the video.
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: SpiritualLifeDevelopment@uss.salvationarmy.org or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory