Portraits with Purpose

10. One Lost Lamb

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6; 23:2-3; Luke 15:3-7

Hymn:

"The Ninety and Nine"

Meditation: According to Psalm 23, the shepherd’s namesake demands his devoted care of every sheep of his flock. So, God’s children are His pride and joy, the fruit of His labor, and a heritage for His family name. At times, when a sheep continues to wonder off, having to be rescued at the risk of the rest of the flock, a shepherd will break the leg of that sheep and carry it until it heals to help it understand his tender love and need to choose the right paths that have been prepared for all the flock.  The way of the ungodly shall parish. Psalm 1:6 reminds us that there are two ways for a sheep to go, and one that leads to destruction. The ungodly are described further as the sinner, never having come to repentance. The scorner mocks the way of righteousness while not even seeing the need for rescue. And, the chaff indicates the worthless, useless nature of a life apart from God’s care.  The way of the righteous the Lord knows. Psalm 1:6 also speaks of a better way in life, a way the God desires for all who would put their faith in His redemptive work. The law of the Lord guides, comforts, and provides absolute truth as a foundation for abundant and eternal life. To produce fruit means a life of walking in the works for which He created us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10). There arose a cry to the gate of heaven, Rejoice, I have found My sheep!