Read Matthew Chapter 18:11-14
I’d Leave The 99 For You Any Day!
As Jesus talks about stumbling blocks, he concluded with “For the Son Of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Then he transitions into a comment how he doesn’t wish that any one would perish in hell.
Jesus uses a parable which shows the Love he has for lost souls. He talks about a man who has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray. When that happens, what does a Shepherd automatically do? He leaves the 99 and goes and searches for that one which has strayed away. Then when he finds it, there’s a great rejoicing. There’s more rejoicing over that one who was found than the 99 who didn’t go astray.
Jesus said there’s “more rejoicing” over the one who returns. In other words, we should always rejoice over those who follow Christ because there’s no greater reward than being with our Father in heaven for eternity. But why should there be an even greater rejoicing over that one who strayed from the truth, and then returns to the truth? Because there is nothing worse than spending eternity in the fiery hell! NOTHING!! If we know someone who is struggling and has gone astray, then it should bother us. I mean it should bother us to the point where we want to do something about it.
What are we willing to leave so we can invest time into the person who has or is going astray? How much prayer are we willing to invest into this individual because we love them so much like Jesus loves us? How willing are we to sit and talk with the individual? How much time are we willing to invest in building a relationship with them so they value what we say?
Perhaps, you are the one who has gone astray, or is going astray. I get it. There are a lot of temptations that captivate our hearts, or temptations that break our trust and faith in Jesus. It happens to all of us at one time or another. Who is that one person, or persons, who lovingly leaves the 99 for YOU!!!!
Perhaps you should say thank you to them for they are the ones who truly love you. Their approach may not be as “comfortable” as you want, but they are drawn out of love for you.
I pray we all have that one person in our lives.
I pray that we are that one person for someone’s life.
Have a blessed day!
