4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep but loses one of them. Then he will leave the other ninety-nine sheep in the open field and go out and look for the lost sheep until he finds it. 5 And when he finds it, he happily puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. He calls to his friends and neighbors and says, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to change. Luke 15:4-7 NCV
At some point in time, we were “the one.” You know the one I’m referring to. The one that Jesus intentionally went after. The one that wandered off and got separated from the other members of his family ~ his community ~ his tribe.
Jesus came after us with love in His heart to bring us back where we belong. He doesn’t scold us or read the riot act ~ He doesn’t shame us into returning home. He scoops us up and embraces us ~ even though we were the one to walk away.
Then He celebrates over our return! How amazing is that?
If you’re in a hard place right now, panicked over how you could possibly come back to the Lord after doing things that you know you had no business getting involved in, please know that Jesus holds no judgement over you. He wants to welcome you home.
Pause and sit with the fact that there is no shame in confessing to the Lord that you need His healing, His restoration, His LOVE, His compassion, His peace, His calm, His wisdom … Girl, ask for all the things and it’s yours! Jesus does not hold back when it comes to blessing you with His Presence.
If you’re not “the one,” then join me in praying for and celebrating over “the one” that is looking to you for friendship and godly counsel to be back in the community of the ninety-nine. Cheer her on. Be there for her. Pray with her. Love on her.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
*Thank you to Mac Powell for this.
Titus Two 