Thursday, August 20, 2009

Straying Sheep

What do we think when we see another Christian stray?  When someone we know goes off a cliff, heads off into the wilderness, into the darkness of the wilderness?  Perhaps we are sad.  Maybe mad.  Some might have a sense of righteous indignation.  Some might even feel a bit self-righteous. 

But more important is this:  How does God see the straying Christian?  What is God’s heart towards that person? Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:12:

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  Matt 18:12

So, God ‘seeks after’ that sheep – perhaps with a whip? With judgment?  Perhaps so when He finds that sheep He can set them straight? Or maybe…

And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray

Wow – God rejoices when He finds that sheep.  In other words, He is so happy to bring one of His sheep back from the dark wilderness, and back into His fold.

Join us Sunday, as we explore God’s heart towards the straying sheep.

 

Till the whole world hears... 

Pastor Clay

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