The Lost Sheep

Saturday, September 23, 2017
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Hail Thou Once Despised Jesus"1 (Lyrics)

Luke 15:4-6 – 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? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing. 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." (NKJV)

Although I usually park my sport utility vehicle parallel to the garage, on this day, I parked further away from the garage than normal. Hopping out of the vehicle, to the left of my foot, I noticed a glimmer of gold — my ankle bracelet, purchased in India for me by a friend. Having searched diligently for it for many days, I was convinced that it was forever lost. Here it was, missing both pieces of the clasp! Given all the vehicles and machinery that had been operating in my yard, I could not believe that it was not mangled. "Thank You, God," I said aloud, picking up my find with joy. Immediately, I knew that God wanted me to write about this experience, but I didn't know why until an encounter with a stranger provided the answer.

I am a collector of sea glass, broken pieces of coloured or clear glass that have been frosted and rounded by tumbling on the seashore. I was searching for sea glass on a beach when I met a woman and her children. She also seemed to be looking for sea glass, so I asked her if she had had any success. She replied that she never found any. This question sparked a conversation in which she shared a number of her burdens. Eventually, I asked her if I might say a prayer for her, and she gratefully nodded. I took both of her hands in mine and prayed with her. At the conclusion of the prayer, she said, "Thank you. I needed that." I replied, "It was my pleasure." Then I pointed to the left of my foot where a piece of sea glass was resting, and said, "Your first piece of sea glass!" We exchanged phone numbers, intending to keep in touch. I firmly believe that God placed me there at that moment, not to find sea glass, but to reach out to one of His children who was hurting and needed to be reminded of God's love.

The theme of many recent readings and sermons has been about what we can do, individually, to bring God's message to those around us, who, like the metaphorical sheep, may be in need of someone searching them out to extend the Father's love. Even as one who is outgoing and speaks confidently of my faith, I have wondered how I am to do that. The answer, it seems, is pretty simple: by using everyday conversations to minister to people. Did you ever stop to think that God may be sending you to the grocery store, the office, a parking lot, or even a beach to seek out His struggling sheep and bring them God's love through a demonstration of kindness, hope, and friendship?

Prayer: Dear God, we know that You call us to spread Your message of love, hope, and forgiveness in this world of conflict and turmoil. Help us to seek Your lost sheep, wherever we are, through everyday encounters and conversations. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Orlanda Drebit <orlandadrebit@hotmail.com>
Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amen Orlanda.


    Lovely observation.
    Blessings.


    Great sharing, God plants us where He wants us.
    (CA)


    Orlanda, Well done, thou good and faithful servant!
    Well put.


    Greetings Orlando and Blessings in the name of Jesus our Lord.
    Thank you for your Devotional. I enjoyed it, and the message it is bringing.


    I read this today and loved it. One of my favorite hymns is based on this verse. So proud of you and what you are doing in your faith journey. I think you are a great God-listener.


    Thank you for reminding me that God puts us in certain places to fulfil His plan. Please pray for me to continue remember your article and realize the times when the Lord is speaking to me.


    Thank you for reminding me that we never know where and why God puts us in specific places. It also reminds me of the phrase go with God and He will go with you.
    Thanks and blessings.


    God bless you Orlanda! Amen to your prayer for this world of conflict and turmoil and for the lost sheep to be found in the chaos.
    In Jesus’ keeping the lost will be safe! Thanks be to God!
    Blessings to your days!


    Hi Orlando
    Oh, I totally agree with every word you wrote. As much as I may have wanted to go and be God’s missionary in other lands, He has put me here, right here, to spread His love and joy and to be Good disciple of His.
    God bless you richly in your wonderful work right where you are!


    Hello Orlanda Drebit,
    I want to thank you for writing this PresbyCan Daily Devotional.
    I love the way God uses his people to serve others.
    May God continue to use you, bless you and make you an abundant blessing to others.
    (Ontario)


    Amen Orlanda. I have often felt my little job a day or two a week gives me the same opportunity as people come in to get their mail and have a chat very often about things that are bothering them. A listening ear, a comforting word, an assurance of prayer seems to allow them to leave with a lighter spirit.
    So glad you found your bracelet. God is good and cares about all that concerns us!
    Blessings.


    That is one of my favourite verses. and I have always loved to sing the hymn based on it, The Ninety and Nine, because I didn’t attend church until in my late teens and I always felt like that lost sheep who was finally brought home.
    And yes God does also help find lost items!
    Thanks for writing.


    A good Saturday to you, Orlando,
    You and I are on the same wavelength in your devotional. I truly believe that the Lord brings us into situations for us to be used as a spokesperson for Him. Sometimes it happens and we may never know what we did or said that brought something so needed by that contact. You put it beautifully and I thank you.
    Thank you. Now I’ll look forward to another one of your devotionals. God bless you real good.
    (California)


    Orlanda, Isn’t it amazing how God works to reach out to His children! Thanks for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.


    Thank you my friend, for sharing this insight!
    What you have described is so insightful and needs us to think about our own daily Iife. Thank you for sharing!

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