By Carol Round – “Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent”— Luke 15:1-7 (NIV).
Pushing my shopping cart into the corral, I noticed an older gentleman wandering around the parking lot of the big box store. He was carrying two sacks of groceries and appeared lost. Immediately, I knew he couldn’t find his vehicle.
Because I’d previously seen others doing the same and had experienced it myself, my heart went out to him. Approaching the lost shopper, I asked if he needed help. Declining my assistance, he replied, “I’ll find it. Eventually.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind helping.” He refused again and I shared my secret of finding my vehicle in a large parking area. “I always park in the same area of the lot.”
Finding Our Way
Driving home, I prayed for the man who’d refused my help. I also was reminded of the parable of the lost sheep. In Luke 15:1-2, Jesus overhears the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttering, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
In an article by Mikkel Andrews, he writes, “Often, we’re taught to look at the bigger picture, to focus on the majority. But the parable of the lost sheep tells us something different. Arguably, one of the most compelling lessons from the Parable of the Lost Sheep is recognizing the value of each individual.”
Jesus’s lesson in the story is we all matter, regardless of status or position in society. We are to appreciate each other’s uniqueness and contribution to our lives.
What We Contribute
One of my morning prayers focuses on my children, grandchildren, and other loved ones. Some are believers; some are not. I specifically pray, “Abba Father, please reveal yourself to them in a way that they do not doubt your existence. Open their eyes to Your truths and let them feel Your Holy presence.”
But even some of the believers in my life aren’t sold out to Jesus. My prayers include the following: “Put a desire in their hearts to live for you, Jesus. Guard their hearts and keep them from negative influences. Please place God-fearing people in their paths and teach my loved ones to love You with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength.”
We’re called to live out our faith by acknowledging others and their needs. Even if they refuse our assistance, we shouldn’t give up. After all, the Good Shepherd never gives up on His children.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo by Robinson Recalde on Unsplash
