Scripture - Luke 15:4-7 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them,'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Observation - Jesus is beginning to teach the disciples the importance of the harvest. He is setting forth the expectation that people are the purpose of Jesus on earth and the Father's plan for salvation. In the presence of tax collectors, sinners and the Pharisees, He begins to teach them of the importance of "Just One" that is lost. How passionate heaven is for one that gives themselves to the Lord. In two parables back to back He explains how intently He is searching for the one that will be rescued.
Application - I believe we need to have that undying passion for "Just One" that needs to be rescued. It is so easy to get focused on the things of everyday life and forget that we need to be formulating plans and putting together strategy that puts us in front of the harvest. The focus must be on the one. We must raise our awareness of the one that is lost from the pack, the one that is hidden away in hurt and pain. We need to go after the one.
Prayer - Father - help me to redirect my focus on the "One".
