A lost sheep is that sheep which wanders from where it is supposed to be and not accounted for by the shepherd, hence is without care. We are likened to sheep for a reason. We are not protected against danger; and fail to identify danger hence unable to avoid them. Sheep, more so lost sheep need a shepherd to care for them in order to escape danger in peace and security.
God is the shepherd of the lost sheep. Psalms 95: 7 says for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. It is confirmed in Ezekiel 34: 31 you are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture and I am your God, says the Lord GOD. David wrote of this divine relationship in Psalms 23: 1-6, the LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want… He described how God provided his wants.
The lost sheep and the shepherd
Jesus explained this relationship in John 10: 11, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus also referred to himself as the good shepherd in John 10: 14-15, I am the good shepherd, I know my own and my own know me,… And I lay down my life for the sheep. We need a good shepherd to rescue us as lost sheep.
For lost sheep to be adequately provided for, they must know their shepherd and listen to his instructions. Revelation 7: 17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Sadly, we do not accept that we are lost. Jeremiah 4: 14 says O Jerusalem, wash your heart clean of wickedness so that you may be saved. How long shall your evil schemes lodge within you?
The passage in Joel 4: 32 says then everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. Jesus is ready to rescue us if we call on him. A number of us cannot trace our steps back to safety as lost sheep. David acknowledged that he was a lost sheep when he wrote in Psalms 119: 176, I have gone astray like a lost sheep, seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
Why we become lost sheep
We become lost sheep out of recklessness, disobedience, and worldliness. Lost sheep follow their own way rather than God’s direction. They are not content with the shepherd, God. Some shepherds also neglect their sheep or responsibilities or mislead them. Jesus said in Matthew 15: 24 I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Reforms must start from home and the family.
Oblivious of danger, we stray from Jesus. He is, however, happy to rescue us. He said in Luke 15: which of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them… when he has found it… does not say to his neighbours, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. 1 Peter 2: 25 says for you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. Are we lost sheep before God?
Prayer
We are your lost sheep, Lord Jesus, who need to be rescued from danger. Mercifully rescue us by your grace. In our blindness, lead us away from danger and open our eyes to behold your grace and love. Cover our souls with the shadow of your mercy in your holy name, Amen!!
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