DCLM Higher Everyday 8 June 2023 — The Lost Sheep
DCLM Higher Everyday 8 June 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The Lost Sheep
Topic: The Lost Sheep
Text: Luke 15:1-7
1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Key Verse: “And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Luke 15:5).
Message
Someone once said, “If you were the only sinner in the world, Christ would still have died for you.” Christ gave this parable to illustrate the love and care He has for all people. Like the shepherd in this parable, our Lord loves all his sheep. You matter to Him. He knows you by name. The shepherd could not afford to overlook or forget just a single sheep that wandered away.
He made a huge sacrifice to bring it back. Worthy of note is the fact that the shepherd did not give up until his lost sheep was found. He equally placed the lost sheep on his shoulder when it was found. He did not drag it on the ground or pull it by the ear. Indeed, the Shepherd of our soul loves you more than you can imagine.
If you are this lost one, you can be sure He is searching for you. Don’t stay back out there in the cold away from the fold. If you are already in His sheepfold, don’t leave. You are dear to the heart of the shepherd.
Quote: You matter to Him
Challenge: Do not take God’s love for granted.
Prayer for today: Lord, my Shepherd, keep me from staying from the fold.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
