Sometimes people who were once 'in church' and who quit attending, or left off living for God feel convicted or depressed about the situation they find themselves in.
They wish they could return, to be where they used to be in God working for the Lord but the shame of the life they have lived and the feeling that they have failed prevents them returning.
They think that they have been separated from God and that nothing can restore them to the place that they once held.
This is a lie of the enemy He loves to use to prevent them from seeking forgiveness and healing.
In Gods word there is a parable that Jesus taught the people about a lost sheep. Now amongst 'church folks', the sheep are known to represent Christians as Jesus as known as the Chief Shepherd. Sheep are supposed to follow the shepherd as he leads them to places where they can eat and drink and be safe from predators.
"1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. ... from the King James Bible Online (KJV Bible)."
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:1-3
SO we are the sheep and He is the Shepherd. You could say the church or bride of christ could also be called 'the flock'. So Jesus takes care of the sheep feeding, protecting and guiding and we are to follow Him.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man. John 10:27-28
Thus we know the bible when it refers to 'sheep' in that context is referring to Believers - because He said He gives them eternal life.
Now In Luke Chapter 15 beginning in verse 4 there is a parable that Jesus taught the people about a lost sheep.
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 repentance.
What this passage of scripture spoke to my heart is that while you may have strayed away from the flock, you are so important (in the sense of needing his immediate help and protection) that He would walk away from the rest of the flock of grazing sheep, to come find the one lost sheep and make sure it is safely returned to the fold.
Anyone who has raised herd animals knows that they generally will bunch together for safety, and keep close to their protector whether it be a animal that has protective capabilities or a shepherd who is watching over them but it seems like you always have a few that tend to stray from the herd.
It's important that they stay with the rest of the group because when one is out alone it's much easier for the enemy to sneak up, attack and destroy knowing there is no one nearby to save. But Jesus, The Chief Shepherd takes his care of his flock seriously and exercises much more care and concern than any shepherd on Earth would or has ever done. Therefore you can be assured, that if you have strayed from the fold, and separated yourself from the flock, that Jesus is searching for you, seeking to return you to the fold.
It doesn't matter what you've done or where you've been. He has left the 99 to look for you.
How do I know this ? Why do I share it here?
I was that lost sheep.
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