“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one single sinner who repents than over 99 righteous who did not need to repent.” Luke 15:7 (NIV)
A single, mournful bark.
A low, drawn-out whine.
A momentary glance into the living room confirmed my suspicions. A black canine behind was slowly inching toward the sofa. Her face was already hidden from view under the furniture as her gaze was locked on her target. Another pitiful whine escaped from the confines of the couch.
I quickly counted the tennis balls scattered around the carpet: one, two, three. I smiled; she usually had four.
“Tipper’s like God,” mumbled our daughter as she half-disappeared under the sofa graciously retrieving the lost ball, “She always goes after the lost one.”
Smiling, I recalled the story in Luke 15. The illustration was of the Father leaving the 99 sheep safe in the fold to go searching for the single lost sheep.
My smile caught as I though about Tipper leaving her three beloved balls, safe in the middle of the floor while parking herself as close as possible to the lost ball. She refused to move and mournfully whined while her family bustled around her until someone extracted herself from her busyness to help the dog rescue her one wayward ball.
What about us? Do we leave the soul-saving to a single over-worked and under-paid pastor while we savor our personal busyness?
Sometimes a pastor might be like Tipper. He will get as close as he can to a hurting soul, but he might need us to reach out and pick up where he could not go.
If Jesus would leave the 99 to search for one, we need to leave our other 99 things to do so we might encourage and rescue others. If our “Father in heaven is not willing any of these should perish,” (Matthew 18:14) then we should not be either.
Reflections:
Do I have any idea how often I overlook a need, imagining someone else is already providing it?
How might I reduce my commitments so that I will truly see others when I look at people?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the simple illustration You gave so we might understand how precious each of us is to You. And so that we see how important it is that we make certain to not overlook one in a world of millions. Please open our eyes so that we may truly see what work You have for each of us to do each day, whether that be to encourage or to rescue. Thank You for Your example of encouragement to and rescue of each one of us. Amen.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Monday, November 17, for the next post.