What Do You Think?

Daily Reading: Matthew 18

Scripture Focus: What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? (Matthew 18.12)

Devotional Thought: Put yourself in this situation. You have a flock of 100 sheep. Ninety-nine of them are safe in the fold with you. You are there to provide for them, to protect them, to guide them. But, one of your helpers comes to you and says, "That sheep that keeps wandering off... Well, she's done it again..." What would you do? Would you leave the 99? Would you risk the many to save the one? Would you be able to explain it to the doubters and detractors? What do you think?

We know what Jesus, the Good Shepherd, thought. He left the comforts of heaven, he left the house of his Father, to "go in search of the one that went astray." I'm glad that he did, for I was that one. I was lost and had no way of finding my way back into the fold. As the old Squire Parson’s song goes, "When I could not come to where he was, he came to me." What do you think?

In this day of disinterest - and even animosity - toward Christ and the Church, it is tempting to circle the wagons, to look inward, to count our losses and lick our wounds. But, Jesus didn't adopt that attitude, did he? And, he doesn't allow us that option either. We are to enlarge the Kingdom, not enclose it, we are to seek the lost sheep, not forget them.

What do you think?

Prayer: "You came to me. O, you came to me. When I could not come to where you were, you came to me. That's why you died on Calvary. When I could not come to where you were, you came to me." Thank you, Lord! (from "He Came to Me" by John Starnes)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 92.1-9

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

5 How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! 6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: 7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; 8 but you, O Lord, are on high forever. 9 For behold, your enemies, O Lord, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.