The trailer for the epic World War II movie Saving Private Ryan contains these words: “In the last great invasion of the last great war, the greatest challenge for eight men was saving . . . one.” Jesus similarly told a parable about a shepherd who searched for one lost lamb. “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4).
Christ told the story to illustrate how God won’t stop searching until He finds “the one” who’s lost, but I normally don’t see myself as “the one” needing to be found. I’m among those in the fold who think they are doing “just fine.” I’m the trained counselor who helps people, armed with the mission as a believer in Jesus to help and serve others who are lost.
But as I recently pondered Jesus’ story, God gently, but firmly, brought to my awareness that I am “the one” who is lost—really lost. I too am profoundly broken and in need of further repentance, grace, and healing.
Some of you reading this devotional know you’re “the one.” Past and present circumstances have left you and others lost in a wilderness of hurt and unable to find a way out. I pray that Jesus’ story of a loving God who won’t stop searching until He finds “the one” brings you glimmers of hope.
Others of you, however, are like me. You are “the one,” but you may not realize it—until something painful happens that drives you to your knees (Luke 15:7). Even if you are, with fellow believers, on a mission to save others, never fool yourself into thinking you have it all together.
We all are “the one” needing to be carried on Jesus’ loving shoulders (Luke 15:5).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 9:38-50
More:
Read Galatians 6:1-3 and consider the importance of helping other believers in Jesus who are struggling as well as allowing them to help you.
Next:
How do you hide the ways in which you are “the one”? With which trusted people in your life can you share how and where you feel as if you’re “lost”?
don777 on July 25, 2017 at 6:41 am
This is the LOVE of Christ, His GRACE & MERCY. Around 15 yr. ago I was a prodigal son. It got so bad with drugs that the only word i could say was help! Unlike the prodigal walking back to the Father, Jesus had to put me on His shoulders and carried me back to the Father. I would be dead by now if it weren’t for The LOVE of Christ. There is HOPE for all those who feel hopeless for whatever your situation maybe.
Matthew 5:3 (NKJV) 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10New King James Version (NKJV)
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Call out to the Lord +>i
herschelwade on July 25, 2017 at 9:20 am
I think that it’s important to think about how we drift away from the will of God EVERY DAY in MANY ways and to know that we cannot get back on track without the prayers of Jesus and help of God. In many ways, it is very reassuring that we need both and that God won’t stop until He has rescued that lost sheep–even if it’s kicking and screaming on the way back. Praise Christ and our Heavenly Father for that! Thanks for sharing your story don777.
Gary Shultz on July 25, 2017 at 6:41 am
Hi Jeff: In thought, I am not sure, I will capture the depth of what you are unfolding. I do expect you are not referencing to salvation, but to those trips or drifts away from where God wants us to be. Maybe not in position and practice, but the heart “has left the building”. I can’t say that I have been limited to just one trip to those places, but in all cases God was coming. He finds me and is carrying me back to the fold. I guess one day He will carry me home. Was that sheep carried home? So, yes Jeff, the taste of humble pie is bitter, but the path He leads us on may be steep at times, but He is the Shepard. Is lost a feeling we should feel at times? Times when we are faced with a life that is too much for us to pull? Whatever the case, God wants to bring us back. Thanks Jeff, thanks for sharing, deeply.
Tom Felten on July 25, 2017 at 8:09 am
Jeff, thanks for these words that reflect on how important is to be honest with God . . . and with ourselves. As we approach him in brokenness and humility, we find a Savior who doesn’t condemn us, but reveals His grace and healing ways.