THE SHEPHERD AND THE LOST SHEEP

This parable, which was spoken by Jesus, is the simple story of a lost sheep and a seeking shepherd.

Here we have what was Jesus' favorite picture of God and of God's love.

This Parable Teaches Us Five Principles Of God's Love.

1. The Love Of God - Is An Individual Love.

The ninety-and-nine sheep, were not enough for the shepherd.
The shepherd could not rest until he had brought home, the one sheep was out on the hillside.
No matter how large a family may be, a parent will feel that he cannot do without even one child; there is not one who does not matter.
God is like that; God cannot be happy until the last wanderer is gathered in.

2. The Love Of God - Is A Patient Love.

Sheep are well-known as foolish creatures, and have no one but itself to blame for the danger it had got itself into.
Most people have little or no patience with the foolish actions of other men.
When people get into trouble, we often say, "It's their own fault; they brought it on themselves; don't waste any sympathy on fools."

God is not like that!

The sheep might be foolish but the shepherd would still risk his life to save it.
Men may be fools but God loves even the foolish man who has no one to blame but himself for his sin and his sorrow.

3. The Love Of God - Is A Seeking Love.

The shepherd was not content to wait for the sheep to come back; he went out to search for it.
That is what the Jew could not understand about the Christian idea Of God.
The Jew would gladly agree that, if the sinner came crawling wretchedly home, God would forgive.

But we know that God is far more wonderful than that, for in Jesus Christ, he came to seek for those who wander away.
God is not content to wait until men come home; he goes out to search for them no matter what it costs him.

4. The Love Of God - Is A Rejoicing Love.

Here there is nothing but joy.
There are no recriminations; there is no receiving back with a grudge and a sense of superior contempt; it is all joy.

So often we use the practical statement that we have no further use for a man like him and do not propose to trust him ever again.
It is human never to forget a man's past and always to remember his sins against him.
God puts our sins behind his back; and when we return to him, it is all joy.

5. The Love Of God - Is A Protecting Love.

It is the love which seeks and saves.

The love of God is:
A protecting love which saves a man for the service of his fellow-men.
Makes the wanderer - wise,
Makes the weak - strong,
Makes the sinner - pure,
Sets the captive free of sin,
Conquerors temptation,
Freedom to serve God in Holiness.


  Dale Boehs

01.04.2009