Cody's Corner: To The Lost Sheep

by Cody Biby

To the Lost Sheep:

In continuing to talk about the Good Shepherd, we are drawn to Matthew 18:10-14 and Luke 15:1-7. In both passages, Jesus talks about the Good Shepherd, who leaves the flock to find the one sheep who is lost. Jesus says He came to “seek and save that which was lost.”

Are you lost today? Does it feel like you are alone in the world? Do you feel like you were made for a greater purpose than what you are living for right now? Do you hear a voice of love calling your name?

You will if you listen to the voice of the Savior of the world.

No matter where you are, what you have done, or what has been done to you, there is salvation waiting for you. God’s word teaches us that there once was a perfect world; then, sin entered into it. Ever since sin entered the world, there has been death, disease, destruction, tragedy, and things that happen which do not make any sense.

Sin is what has separated us from God, and Jesus Christ came to fix the problem of sin during His time on Earth. God’s Word teaches us that there had to be a price paid for sin. The Good Shepherd left His place in heaven to come down to Earth to seek and save us all. We are all lost sheep until we accept the costly gift of salvation that was provided to us through Jesus’s blood on the cross. “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

We focus on the “love” part of that verse while forgetting that there is a consequence for not believing in the words “shall not perish.” The consequence for not believing in Jesus is an eternal separation from God in a place you would not wish on your worst enemy.

You might not agree with this; you might think this is unfair or untrue. When you have a universe of your own – and the power of creation in your hands – then feel free to make life, belief, heaven, hell, rewards, and punishments whatever way you see fit. Since we are not God, I think we should just take Him at His word.

I know the best thing that ever happened to me was hearing the Good Shepherd’s voice, and how He saved me from sin and a life just for myself. Even though I was a dirty, lost sheep, the Good Shepherd picked me up washed me white as snow, and now I walk with Him every day.

Do you know Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life? I would beg you to believe in Him and give Him your life. If you want to make this life-changing decision, please make it today. You can talk to a local pastor, a Christian that you know and respect, and me if you want to.

The other “lost” sheep I want to speak to today are the lost sheep that already know Jesus as their Savior.

Are you lost today, Believer? Have you strayed away from the flock? What happened? Was it the other sheep who drove you away? Did they hurt you with biting words? Did they kick and bleat at you for being different than them?

Take heart and start listening to the Good Shepherd’s voice again. He will bandage your wounds; he wants you back in the flock again. If you will not go back to the church that hurt you, go to another church! God’s Word tells us to not forsake the gathering of believers.

As iron sharpens iron, we are supposed to sharpen each other so we can be useful instruments in God’s hands. God’s Word also tells us to bear each other’s burdens. Maybe if we would just try living out how the Good Shepherd tells us to live, we would have no time for fighting amongst ourselves.

When the Good Shepherd finds you, and you are back in the flock again, beware! There are vampire sheep that suck all the life out of the church – sheep that don’t want to do anything but grumble and complain, and wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing that are just there to cause trouble.

I just want your eyes to be wide open because, if you are looking for the perfect church, I will let you in on a little secret: It does not exist. We are all sinners saved by grace that must learn how to love, forgive, and resolve conflicts. If you or I ever found the perfect church, I would beg you not to go there because we would be the ones to mess it up!

There are churches in this community where you will find a home away from home, and people who will love you closer than a family member. I encourage you, whatever kind of lost sheep you are, to go to church. I can guarantee you that it is not perfect, but it is better than being lost.