Lost

So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:3-7


Over the weekend, our dog, A.J., ran away from a friends house while we were out of town. Needless to say it was a pretty horrible ending to an otherwise fantastic weekend. I feel so bad for our friends because I know they feel terrible but it really is no one's fault. A.J. is an escape artist and when she decides she wants to get somewhere, she can usually do it. It's really been quite a shock for us as A.J. has never tried to run away before and we cannot figure out why she would do so now.


Lindsey and I have been frantically looking for her, placing flyers out, going by shelters, placing ads in the paper and on different sites. We have had friends who have been so awesome in helping search for her and also praying for us and being so encouraging. Some say it's just a dog, but when you have invested so much time, training, money, and love into someone or something, it's going to hurt when it appears to be at an end. Still, we continue to pray, search, and hope that we will be reunited with her someday soon because we love her dearly as she has brought so much joy to our lives.


As we have experienced this in the last few days, there have been many lessons that God has taught me. Several of them are from our weekend with the 5th-6th graders. Such things as you cannot worry about the "what ifs" but you have to trust God and hold on to the promise of Joshua 1:9 which tells us to not fear, but be strong and courageous because the Lord our God is with us. We have to hold onto the promise of Romans 8:28 that all things work for the good of those who love God who have been called according to His purpose. I also like to add to that verse, not only for our good but for God's glory as well. These verses bring great comfort and I know that regardless of what happens that God is with us.


But what I have learned in a new way over the last few days comes from parable Jesus told that is quoted above. What I have learned is that if I have this much love for and determination to find my lost pet, A.J. then how much more so is God's love for us in general, but more specifically for those who have no relationship with Him? How much more determined is God to make Himself known to lost people all over the world so that they may be saved and have a fruitful relationship with Him? 


God rejoices over the salvation of lost people. Not only does He rejoice. He starts the whole process. Just as a shepherd searches relentlessly for a lost sheep, God has sought after us to be the Lord of our lives. The most evident way He did this was by sending Jesus, His Son, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus took the punishment that we deserved for our sins. When one person comes to a realization that they need a Savior and they place their hope, trust, and faith in Jesus Christ for the salvation only He can deliver, then there is great rejoicing in heaven! A party breaks out!


I need that same kind of love for people in general, but especially for those who do not know nor have accepted the Gospel. I know I need this same kind of love because who God primarily uses to get His message of the Gospel out to a lost world is through His people. My prayer is not only for God's peace, but also for His boldness and His love to share the Gospel, to be a help to Christian and non-Christian alike.


Please pray for Frank and Sue, a couple I met Saturday evening and had a chance to help some while getting gas. They are living out of their car and searching for jobs. Frank professes to be a Christian and I am not sure about Sue. I am hoping I get to see them again sometime to share the Gospel more and minister some more as well.