Joel M Bradshaw

176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.–Psalm 119

Two other Bible moments came to mind as I read this final verse from the longest chapter in the Bible.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear [Jesus]. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:1-7)

1. Admit you are lost and have gone astray.
2. Never forget that you cannot live life on your own terms, but need God’s direction from the Bible.
3. Respond to God working within your heart and turn back to Him.
4. Know that Jesus is seeking after you. He is the true Seeker of the lost.
5. God laid upon Jesus your sin. Your only hope of salvation is found in Jesus.
6. No matter how broken your past, no matter how messy your present, there is joy in Heaven when you repent and turn back to Jesus.
7. Pay attention! This is the moment that you the wayward sheep are being brought to. Your Shepherd is working within you, seeking after you, and has made it possible for you to be together with Him again!–JMB