Have you ever wondered why Jesus said He would leave the 99 for the one? Have you ever thought about how much power is in that one that has gone astray? (Matthew 18:12-15). I am here to shed some light on this well-known parable in hopes that you would see yourself as that one. Even though Jesus spoke this parable thousands of years ago, it is still relevant to you and me in this world we are living in today. As we live in this ever-changing world, sometimes we lose the visibility of Jesus, but I am here to tell you today that regardless of our circumstances and how far we may seem away from Him, He is never too far away from us. He’s always chasing after us as long as we are seeking after Him.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Jesus, as the good shepherd, knew the importance of that one sheep (John 10:14). He knew wolves and scavengers were out there, ready to devour that one without a defense. When he spoke about that one sheep, he was referring to me, you, and everyone willing to hear His voice. When you think about a sheep and its shepherd, a sheep doesn’t know where it goes without the shepherd. When a sheep wanders away from the herd, it concerns the shepherd because of the love, trust, and bond between the two. Over time, a relationship is established between the two to the point that the sheep will not answer to anyone else but its shepherd. But there are times when the sheep would wander away from the herd and put the shepherd in a predicament to look for it.
But why, though? Why the one?
As that one sheep, we are important to Jesus because he has a chance to get us back on track to ultimately use us as vessels to help others to know Him.
The One
Being that one is an honor, and there is a power that God has placed inside of all of us that we cannot comprehend. Remember that:
- You were that one parent who struggled to raise your son(s) and daughter(s) in the fear of the Lord. Over time, they learn to have a relationship with their heavenly Father. As they age, they have become part of this chosen generation that will lead many others to the Kingdom of God—your yes to Him was a yes for your children. Your obedience was all it took; through that connection, many others will know God through your children.
- You are the one who chose ministry over a six-figure career and decided to lead others to Christ, and now, many people who come in contact with you believe that there is a God through your serving, love, and compassion.
- You are that small business owner who has built your business on the principles of the Word of God, and now many others know that they don’t have to compromise to have favor in their business.
- You were the one who was in the streets trying to survive and provide for your family; however, God turned your situation around, and now you are an Evangelist of the gospel in the same streets you used to hang out on.
- You were that one that God called from a place of lack to a place of abundance.
- You were that one who was attached to the alcohol bottle or drug, but God kept you from that last overdose to show everyone around you that no addiction is more powerful than Him.
- You were that one searching for love in the wrong places, and Jesus met you one day through His word and showed you that you are His beloved and how to love yourself.
- You were the one searching for an identity, and He showed you exactly who He had created you to be and the greatness within you.
- You were the one who was led in the wilderness and desert, but He sustained you every step of the way by giving you exactly what you needed to make it through one day at a time.
- You were the one sinking deep in sin, and he reached down and pulled you out, cleansed you, and now you live a sanctification life that others can see.
- You were the one who was held captive by depression and suicidal thoughts, and he tore down those dark places of your mind and gave you the boldness and courage to testify to the world to help restore the hope of the hopeless.
Rejoice, for being that One
Furthermore whatever your circumstances were when God found you and you heard His voice, remember that He saw you valuable enough to leave the 99 to come after you. Even if you are in any of these scenarios right now, open your ears to hear the Lord through it all. Find His joy, for there, you will find strength! Use Paul as an example as he said he can find contentment in all things, and he tells us why in Philippians 4: 4-8 that we should rejoice by saying:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned, received, heard, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
God knows where we are regardless of what we think. He will seek after us, but we have to be willing to seek after Him through whatever we experience, and His peace will carry us through (Matthew 6:33).
Power in Connection
Lastly, remember we are all connected to someone, and in that, there is power. He needs us to tell our stories because reaching those who are lost is essential. God uses the things we see as low points in our lives to help those who are crying out to be heard and seen. The joy of knowing that God loves us enough and that He will never leave us is the key to connecting others to the good shepherd. You see, God works everything for our good, and the power within us and our connections to others will help restore joy, peace, contentment, and love for generations to come. But it begins with YOU!!
Reflect on your own role as “the one” and how you can impact others today.
Keep in mind, sharing your personal experiences can make the message of the gospel more impactful and compelling to those that are lost.
