On a certain occasion, Jesus was accused by some of the religious leaders in Israel of accepting sinners into his company and even eating with them. Here is how Jesus replied (Luke 15:4-7):
4 What 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?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And 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.
7 I 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 repentence.
The men of Israel understood sheep herding, because it had been a fundamental occupation in Israel from the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, hundreds of years earlier. Jesus knew that they understood the strong love of a shepherd for each of his sheep. And based on that kind of love, they all knew that it was not uncommon for a shepherd to leave 99 sheep in the wilderness under the care of another and go after the one that was lost, until it was found. And when it was found, the shepherd would carry it home on his shoulders and celebrate its return with friends and neighbors!
By this example, Jesus expressed why he kept company with sinful people. Because he sees us as precious lost sheep that only He can save!
In John 10:11 Jesus says of himself, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth this life for the sheep." And in vs. 27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Are you a lost sheep belonging to Jesus? If you are, then you will hear his voice calling you through this message. And if you hear his voice, repent and turn from your sins and follow him! He is ready to receive you now! Just tell him you are sorry for your sin, and ask him to forgive you and to come into your heart and to change your life. He will, just as he has done for me and many others! Only don't put it off. You need to do it now. Go ahead and pray. Then let me know by e-mail!
And Heaven will rejoice!
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