The Lost Sheep
by Vicky Munro
I was thinking about a recent time away with my friend and her children when we were staying at a camp site filled with people from all walks of life. Some were quiet, polite and respectful, but others were loud and boisterous, simply having a good time. I’m in no way judging these people, but it got me thinking of the parable of the lost sheep.
In Luke 15 verses 1 onwards, it talks about tax collectors and other notorious sinners who often came to listen to Jesus teach, and how the Pharisees and teachers of the religious law complained about Jesus associating with such sinful sinners, and even eating with them.
So, Jesus went on to share a story with them about a man who had a hundred sheep and one of them got lost. What would the man do? Would he leave all the other sheep to go off in search of the one, searching until he found it? Jesus said that man did, and he rejoiced when he found the one.
This parable touches me so deeply, as it speaks to my heart about Father God. He loves sinners, myself included. He came to look for me when I was lost, and rejoiced when I came into His kingdom. Now I am found. Wow! Stop for a moment and ponder on that. There was a celebration when you were found after being lost.
It got me thinking about my own attitude towards others. At times I judged them for where they were at in their lives, and yes, unfortunately, at times I criticised them for how they lived. As I came to the Lord and repented for my attitude, I felt a soft voice ask me what I am going to do about it.
Well, first of all I’m going to show love towards people. Secondly I’m going to pray for them, that the Lord would draw them near to Him. I’m going to pray for their salvation.
As I’m writing this, people I know and love spring to mind, and I’m already thinking about them and how loved they are by Father God, and how can I show them love and support instead of silently judging them.
I was thinking about a recent time away with my friend and her children when we were staying at a camp site filled with people from all walks of life. Some were quiet, polite and respectful, but others were loud and boisterous, simply having a good time. I’m in no way judging these people, but it got me thinking of the parable of the lost sheep.
In Luke 15 verses 1 onwards, it talks about tax collectors and other notorious sinners who often came to listen to Jesus teach, and how the Pharisees and teachers of the religious law complained about Jesus associating with such sinful sinners, and even eating with them.
So, Jesus went on to share a story with them about a man who had a hundred sheep and one of them got lost. What would the man do? Would he leave all the other sheep to go off in search of the one, searching until he found it? Jesus said that man did, and he rejoiced when he found the one.
This parable touches me so deeply, as it speaks to my heart about Father God. He loves sinners, myself included. He came to look for me when I was lost, and rejoiced when I came into His kingdom. Now I am found. Wow! Stop for a moment and ponder on that. There was a celebration when you were found after being lost.
It got me thinking about my own attitude towards others. At times I judged them for where they were at in their lives, and yes, unfortunately, at times I criticised them for how they lived. As I came to the Lord and repented for my attitude, I felt a soft voice ask me what I am going to do about it.
Well, first of all I’m going to show love towards people. Secondly I’m going to pray for them, that the Lord would draw them near to Him. I’m going to pray for their salvation.
As I’m writing this, people I know and love spring to mind, and I’m already thinking about them and how loved they are by Father God, and how can I show them love and support instead of silently judging them.
My challenge to you is to bring to the Lord in prayer those who are far away from Him. Show them love and support. Look at your own attitudes and thoughts towards others. I also encourage you to go read this wonderful parable of the lost sheep, and ask God to speak to you as you read it.
My challenge to you is to bring to the Lord in prayer those who are far away from Him. Show them love and support. Look at your own attitudes and thoughts towards others. I also encourage you to go read this wonderful parable of the lost sheep, and ask God to speak to you as you read it.
Vicky Munro Vicky has been a friend of Ellel Scotland for many years and joined the associate ministry team in 2021 after completing explore A and B. She herself has experienced deep healing over the years and desires to come alongside others to experience the same. As a support worker she enjoys working with children and young people part time. A big cat lover, Vicky also loves walking, catching up with friends and eating Deans shortbread!
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