The Lost Sheep Part 2

 

"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." — Luke 15:4-5

God's desire is for every lost sheep to return to the fold. Today, this message is directed especially to those who once loved the Lord passionately, those who were once faithful in service, and those who have backslidden from the faith. You who have once tasted the riches of God's grace in Christ Jesus, it is the will of God that you return home.

Anyone who leaves the fold and returns to the world becomes vulnerable to confusion, spiritual attacks, and unnecessary setbacks. Outside the Shepherd's care, the sheep is exposed to danger.

Jesus is searching for you today. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. If only you will hear His voice and open the door, He will come in, fellowship with you, and make His dwelling with you. Stop running from Jesus, because anyone who runs from Jesus runs toward destruction.

The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that the thief comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy; but Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly.

The world and all its attractions can deceive a person, but the truth remains that everything the world offers is temporary and ultimately empty. Nothing in this world can truly satisfy the soul except Jesus Christ. The Scriptures ask, "What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" And again, "What can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Dear backslider, I believe God has sent me with this message for you today: Jesus loves you and desires that you return to your first love. His arms are still open, and His mercy is still available. Return to Him while the invitation of grace remains.

The righteousness of another person cannot save you; you must personally choose to remain in His vineyard and walk faithfully with Him.

Perhaps you are reading this and you are not yet far from the fold, but you feel yourself drifting away spiritually. My word to you is this: be encouraged and remain steadfast. The crown is not for those who merely start the race, but for those who finish it.

The Apostle Paul declared, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." May this also be our testimony.

Stand firm until the end. Remain in Christ. Stay in the fold.

My prayer is that on that glorious day, every one of us will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," in the presence of our Lord Almighty.

May the Lord keep us faithful to the end, in Jesus' name. Amen.

By Evang Taiye Ajayi