The Good Shepherd
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing”. . . “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-5, 7
Many of us grieve over loved ones who have turned from their faith and are leading lives separate from God’s Word. We can be assured that the Lord has not written them off. Our Savior pursues His sheep when they wander, desiring to bring them back to safety. St. Peter reiterates this: “The Lord . . . is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
At one time, these loved ones knew and trusted in God’s promises for them. Through Satan’s deceit they were turned away from God’s Word. It is both the Lord’s and our desire that the Holy Spirit reminds them of God’s promises they knew in their youth.
We are an important part of God’s plan to bring them back into His flock. Although we may fear that our words may alienate them or destroy any relationship we currently have, God gives us this promise: “(My Word) shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). Jesus also warns us “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Prayer: Dear Lord, please have Your Holy Spirit remind our loved ones of Your promises. We ask that (1) You give us opportunities to witness to them, (2) we recognize those opportunities, (3) You give us the courage to speak, and (4) You give us the wisdom and words to bring them closer to You and not push them away. In Jesus’ name, Amen