The Prodigal's ReturnSample

Only 1

Taylor Harmon

Luke 15:4-7 “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue”

This verse talks about lost sheep, which we know culturally was regarded as a form of currency or wealth at the time it was written. Consider this in modern times as if you have lost something most precious to you. God loves each of us so much that He would leave his ninety-nine sheep, the entire flock, to come to find the lost one. His love is so great that He would seek us out! God doesn’t care how low we are or where we are in our lives, He will accept us wherever we are as long as we seek His will for us. God’s love is so unconditional that all of Heaven rejoices when we return to Him!

God doesn’t hold grudges for how big our mistakes may have been. He wants a relationship with us so as long as we seek repentance for our sins, He forgives. He shows grace and mercy to all who seek Him. Jesus said he came to heal those in need of Him. He comes to you where you are. He leaves those in good standing with Him to seek the one in need of His relationship. Healthy people do not need a doctor; sick people do. That is why Christ came. He came for you. He came for me. He came to be the answer we need most.

Society puts value in the ninety-nine. God puts as much value in the one. The ninety-nine are important, but God wants to bring back the one, in order to have a right relationship with all of us! Together His church advances the Kingdom. Everyone knows somebody who’s lost. What can we do to help that one lost sheep return?

God, thank You that You valued my relationship with You enough to come searching for me where I was. Help me to place the same value on helping other lost souls return to you. Help me to represent You in all I do so others will want the relationship I have with You. Amen.