Lost Sheep Mentality

Based on 2 Samuel 6-8, Luke 15:1-10

This world needs to think like a flock of sheep. God is the Creator of each and every one of us, and it's our job to bring people back to Him! Hatred exists. Racism exists. Becoming enemies for no apparent reason exists...but at the end of the day, they're lost sheep. And maybe the ones who are most lost are the ones who don't think of going to find the one who went astray? Something to challenge ourselves with!

"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

3And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Luke 15:1-7.

Jesus put Himself last. He sat with sinners. He placed Himself in the hands of sinners when He was arrested. But the thing to remember is that everywhere He went, He was among sinners...even the Jews! But the Jews did not quite understand that mentality before. They just thought a sinner was an outsider, never to be brought into the company of God's chosen people...but Jesus defined them as "lost." And when there's a lost, there needs to be a found! So they MUST be brought to Jesus!

David was similar in heart. He put God first. He brought the lost ark home again, and he celebrated & rejoiced, just as Jesus does for one who repents. David did not discriminate; he celebrated with everyone! He tended to the needs of all those around him, even before returning to meet the needs of his own household...just as Jesus does for us!

"And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house. 20Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!" 2 Samuel 6:19-20.

David's wife Michal did not understand this, just as the Jews had a hard time understanding Jesus' ministry at first...but honestly, these reactions represent every one of us at times...we are hesitant to get to know other people, or open ourselves up to people who are much different than ourselves...but when we understand that it's the work of The Lord, and we are just trying to reach all people and bring them back to our Creator, we will realize that we are all just part of the same flock...a flock that needs Jesus, and the Acts 2:38 salvation steps of repentance, water baptism in Jesus' Name & receiving the Holy Ghost! This way, we can also celebrate & rejoice together in eternity one day. So, who's more lost? The one who ran away, or the flock that may have rejected them? Let's keep that lost sheep mentality!