The Value In Being The Lost Sheep
The other morning, I was reminded of Jesus’s parable of the lost sheep. He states that a good shepherd would leave the ninety-nine to find the one lost lamb and rejoice upon finding it.
The revelation shared was that the lost sheep are far better off than the ninety-nine. The ninety-nine doesn’t think for themselves. They are confined and controlled by the herd mentality. They can’t hear the Shepherd’s voice within because of the herd’s influential noise. However, the lost sheep innately knows there is something more, freedom, an expansion of love and knowledge that is not available amongst the herd’s mentality. So, it courageously breaks away from the comfort zone of ninety-nine and steps into the unknown, seeking greener pastures. As the lost sheep run in exhilarating freedom, the herd tries to beckon it back with outdated, limiting beliefs and fearful warnings.
Yet the lost sheep recognize the Shepherd’s voice and follows the call of their souls. Searching and wandering new revelations increase experiential faith and promote maturity and evolution within. Thus, the lost sheep are confident knowing the Good Shepherd’s staff will correct them if a wrong turn is made. The Shepherd will use his hook to draw them into his protective, loving arms when they finds themselves before a wolf or stuck in a ravine.
All the while, the ninety-nine feed in the wide pasture, which results in becoming comfortable, content, complacent and stagnant.
However, the lost sheep are drawn to the Shepherd, the guardian of their soul. There they enter through the narrow gate, redeemed, restored, and purified, intimately feeding on the heavenly mysteries found in the present. The lost sheep aren’t so lost after all!
I encourage you to break free from the herd. The herd falsely thinks, believing and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior automatically bring them future salvation. Jesus says in Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Surrendering your life, picking up your cross to crucify the old man, and the renewal of your mind are prerequisites to salvation. Jesus is the way. He purifies, cleanses, heals, and transforms us as we cultivate an intimate relationship with him. We are born anew as his presence arises so fully within us that we become love. It is an intimate relationship that brings salvation. Seek, awaken, heal, transform and elevate up to where God is!
