“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.'” Luke 15:3-7 (NIV)
People matter to God. Until you value what God values, you won’t see what God sees. God sees people where they are and where they could be in Christ. God values people so much that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). Why would the Creator of the universe value the rebellious and fallen people He created? Why would God be so compassionate toward those who are disconnected and defiant?
Jesus portrayed the willingness to leave the ninety-nine sheep in order to go after the one lost sheep. The one lost sheep is just as valuable to the owner as the ninety-nine that are safe in the open country. The shepherd is willing to risk his own life in order to go after the one sheep. Once the sheep is found, the shepherd returns and invites his friends and neighbors together to rejoice in the rescued runaway.
When one sinner repents, there is more rejoicing in heaven over that one sinner than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need to repent. One sinner reconciled to God produces a celebration in heaven that earth cannot compete with. God values people.
What if you began to view people the way God does? How would the next person you meet benefit from your new perspective? People matter to God! Do they matter to you?
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor