A Spectacle Of Glory #19

Read: Luke 15:1-7

Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep out in open country to seek a lost one. On the surface, that doesn’t seem like wise livestock management. What rancher turns his back on an entire flock to scour the terrain for one foolish, wandering animal? Jesus does. Yes, He loves the ninety-nine, but His heart yearns for the missing sheep, the one in eternal peril. After searching high and low, the shepherd finally finds the stray and carries it home on his shoulders. In his great joy, he even calls friends to come celebrate with him. This is how much Jesus loves and longs for that lost one you’ve been praying over for so long. Yes, maybe he or she is a rebel in whom others see no worth. The Good Shepherd, however, will never stop searching and calling. And that’s why we should never, ever stop praying for and loving those who are lost.

Jesus, forgive me for giving up on people who have rejected You and hardened their hearts against You. Sometimes I write people off as a bad investment, but You never do. Help me not to shrug my shoulders about those who choose to ignore You or oppose You and wander into darkness. Give me a heart like Yours, Great Shepherd.