Scripture to Read: Luke 15:3-5
In Luke 15:5, Jesus then said, “When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” As we know, the shepherd actively went after the lost sheep. The shepherd did not wait until it was convenient to go, but as soon as the shepherd realized one of his sheep was lost, he left to search for that one lost sheep. God’s response to every lost soul on the face of the earth is that He is actively pursuing them, seeking to restore them through Christ our Lord. We know that God the Father sent the Holy Spirit, not only to fill and seal (2 Corinthians 1:21–22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30) every born-again follower of Christ, but also to convict this lost world. Jesus tells us this in John 16:8–11, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” We know God the Father continues to wait on sending back Christ for His church so that every lost sheep has an opportunity to be found. God tells us in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”—that’s why Jesus commanded us to join Him in this mission in Matthew 28:19–20.
Challenge & Application
What has God taught you about His desire for every lost person on the face of the earth?
How are you following Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19–20 so every lost soul has the opportunity to repent and follow Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!