In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
  • Home
  • Media
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog- Gratitude
Connect, Tweet, Link!

The Lost Sheep

11/2/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
​“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins; return onto me; for I have redeemed thee.”  Isaiah 44:22
 

Many people consider the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:11-14), a story primarily about all the wayward people who have not  joined “the fold,” or the church as yet.  People like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), whom Jesus sought out with an invitation that ultimately changed his life. However, if you reread the parable, it could also be referring to those of us who were once an integral part of “the fold,” yet somehow, lost our way back for one reason or another. For some of us, if we offer ourselves enough reasons, it can be easy to leave “the fold.”

Sometimes, like us, the sheep wanders far from the fold, looking for what appears to be “greener pastures.”  It can be as simple as a new place for grazing that appears more advantageous, when in fact, the “greener pasture,” is as full of weeds as the pasture we left behind.  From afar, we fail to notice the large patches of brown grass, dandelions, and poisonous weeds growing among, what seemed to be, lush green grass.  But, after a while, we discover that it doesn't matter where we are, we can’t run from ourselves; everywhere we go, there we are.

Sometimes, like us, the sheep sees something more interesting, not a greener pasture, but an exciting distraction. These distractions are mere illusions that prompt us to believe we see something much more interesting than our Shepherd, Jesus Christ.  While we are distracted, we lose sight of the fold, stubbornly ignoring The Shepherd when He calls us to come back home.  These distractions are usually things we highly value, things worthy of leading us astray.  It can be the excitement of a new lifestyle where fame, money, friends, power or prestige takes precedence.  A lifestyle where we have decided Jesus does not fit in; so we go, a few feet at a time, until we realize we are so far from The Shepherd, we can’t seem to find our way back.  Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.”  But now, we have to admit, we have difficulty hearing the still small Voice of God calling us to come home.

Sometimes, the fold is just too crowded; there are so many sheep that, a few sheep may get too close to us, stepping on our toes—I mean—hooves.  So, we leave the fold due to an unkind word; or, because of an attack from inside the confines of the corral —the one place where we least expect it.  Not realizing that, we are all  still a work in progress.  Even Christians can be vicious to each other.  We can reenact the malicious behavior and arrogant attitudes found in the world, transferring them to our brothers and sisters within the fold.  All because we have become so accustom to our actions outside the church, we simply forget to practice what we preach, forcing people away.  —Yet, Jesus offers forgiveness saying, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  

Each person must discover for themselves the importance of being within "the fold."  It teaches us more about ourselves in regard to our sensitivities, attitudes, relationships, and our walk with God.  Our perseverance within the fold can help us to understand the complexities and duality of being both Christian and human.  A complex and comprehensive life where we strive daily to become the best living sacrifice to God; though blemished and battered, in a world that openly applauds us for being our worst.  

Given all the distractions, it is easy to get side-tracked; it is even easier to backslide.  If you have been gone for a while, and consider yourself a little wayward, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.”  The question is, like a member of His flock, can you still hear His Voice calling out to you; or, will He have to come for you Himself?  L.

Study Reference: Isaiah 44:22, Matthew 18:11-14, Luke 19:1-10
From:"The Lost Sheep." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: H.B. Mertz/Troll's Tongue

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living

    -Daily Posts

    Welcome to the ITMH blog. Here you can interact with me each day regarding  the devotionals found in the book if you are not on Facebook.  Write something about yourself in relation to the daily. No need to be fancy, just be honest. I'll do the same.  It will be interesting to see how different people, with varying experiences react to the same daily. 

    And, in the way of The Master, please remember to be congenial.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.