Luke 15:1–7
‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ – Luke 15:6
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When Jesus spoke about the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that was lost, He described how the shepherd joyfully carried the sheep home and invited friends and neighbours to celebrate. Jesus went on to say: “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.” This parable reveals the heart of Jesus: He treasures every soul and values those who are lost.
Who are the lost sheep today? They are not only those who have yet to believe in Christ, but also brothers and sisters who have been away from the church for many years, perhaps due to hurt, discouragement, or pressure. Lost sheep also include those who may still be present in church but whose hearts have grown cold, losing their passion and faith in the Lord.
This parable reminds us: if we are content to guard the ninety-nine but make no effort to seek the lost, we are not truly sharing in the Shepherd’s heart.
In truth, most of us recognise that we should reach out to the lost, but we often lack the urgency and action needed. Why? First, we easily forget that we ourselves were once lost sheep. Over time, we take salvation for granted and forget how the Lord first rescued us. Without regularly remembering and experiencing His saving grace, it is hard to grow in compassion. Second, we can become too accustomed to the yearly rhythm of services, fellowships, and ministries, even mistaking “maintaining the status quo” for the church’s mission, while forgetting that the true mission is to seek the lost.
More practically, many of us lack specific people we are reaching out to. Without the names of “lost sheep” on our hearts, evangelism remains a slogan with no real drive. The issue, then, is not that we “don’t know,” but that we lack focus and action.
Today marks the first day of FMC’s GO season. May each of us place a specific person on our prayer list, perhaps a brother or sister who has drifted away, or a friend or relative who has yet to believe. Let us pray for them and take one simple, concrete step of action: a phone call, a meal, or a message. This is the first step of seeking the lost sheep. And in time, we will share in the Father’s joy of what was lost being found.
FMC has walked through 128 years of God’s abundant grace. Yet if we remain only within our walls and never go out to seek the lost, we have missed the church’s true mission. May the Lord stir our hearts, not to be content with having head-knowledge but to courageously go out with Him to seek the sheep that are lost.
Reflection:
Whose name is God placing on my heart today as a “lost sheep”? Am I willing to take one specific step of action for this person? What is holding me back? Is it fear, indifference, or busyness?
Prayer:
Loving Father, thank You for seeking me when I was a lost sheep. Forgive me for being content with the safety of the ninety-nine, while neglecting the ones You care for so deeply. Today, please put a specific name in my heart. Help me pray faithfully, and give me the courage to take the first step. May FMC, in its 128 years of history, not only preserve its legacies but also boldly go out to fulfil Your mission. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Click to read
When Jesus spoke about the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that was lost, He described how the shepherd joyfully carried the sheep home and invited friends and neighbours to celebrate. Jesus went on to say: “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.” This parable reveals the heart of Jesus: He treasures every soul and values those who are lost.
Who are the lost sheep today? They are not only those who have yet to believe in Christ, but also brothers and sisters who have been away from the church for many years, perhaps due to hurt, discouragement, or pressure. Lost sheep also include those who may still be present in church but whose hearts have grown cold, losing their passion and faith in the Lord.
This parable reminds us: if we are content to guard the ninety-nine but make no effort to seek the lost, we are not truly sharing in the Shepherd’s heart.
In truth, most of us recognise that we should reach out to the lost, but we often lack the urgency and action needed. Why? First, we easily forget that we ourselves were once lost sheep. Over time, we take salvation for granted and forget how the Lord first rescued us. Without regularly remembering and experiencing His saving grace, it is hard to grow in compassion. Second, we can become too accustomed to the yearly rhythm of services, fellowships, and ministries, even mistaking “maintaining the status quo” for the church’s mission, while forgetting that the true mission is to seek the lost.
More practically, many of us lack specific people we are reaching out to. Without the names of “lost sheep” on our hearts, evangelism remains a slogan with no real drive. The issue, then, is not that we “don’t know,” but that we lack focus and action.
Today marks the first day of FMC’s GO season. May each of us place a specific person on our prayer list, perhaps a brother or sister who has drifted away, or a friend or relative who has yet to believe. Let us pray for them and take one simple, concrete step of action: a phone call, a meal, or a message. This is the first step of seeking the lost sheep. And in time, we will share in the Father’s joy of what was lost being found.
FMC has walked through 128 years of God’s abundant grace. Yet if we remain only within our walls and never go out to seek the lost, we have missed the church’s true mission. May the Lord stir our hearts, not to be content with having head-knowledge but to courageously go out with Him to seek the sheep that are lost.
Reflection:
Whose name is God placing on my heart today as a “lost sheep”? Am I willing to take one specific step of action for this person? What is holding me back? Is it fear, indifference, or busyness?
Prayer:
Loving Father, thank You for seeking me when I was a lost sheep. Forgive me for being content with the safety of the ninety-nine, while neglecting the ones You care for so deeply. Today, please put a specific name in my heart. Help me pray faithfully, and give me the courage to take the first step. May FMC, in its 128 years of history, not only preserve its legacies but also boldly go out to fulfil Your mission. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.