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Listen while you read: "Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life"1
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Matthew 18:12-13 – What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. (NIV)
Years ago, my aunt, my grandmother — known as Nan — and I were walking across the hospital parking lot after visiting my grandfather, who was recovering from surgery. It was dark and icy.
As we approached our vehicle, I went ahead of Nan to open the front passenger door so that I could reach behind and pull up the lock on the rear door for her. Once the door was unlocked, I turned around to open her door and help her in, but she was no longer there. I asked my aunt if she were over there with her. She responded, "No." Well then, where is she? I thought.
My aunt and I began to call for her, all to no avail, until we heard laughter emanating out of the darkness. It was Nan's laughter, but we still couldn't find her. Suddenly, I realized that the laughter was coming from underneath the car. Nan had slipped on an icy patch beside the car. Holding the door handle to break her fall, she had continued her downward slide to the pavement and on under the vehicle.
Getting on my knees, I grabbed her coat and carefully slid her back out. Always having such a wonderful sense of humour, she continued to laugh. I did not laugh at the time, but I certainly laugh now, whenever I think of that icy episode.
Ice is not the only cause of people slipping, however. Sin can also cause people to slip and wander away spiritually, and when they do, it is no laughing matter. Sin, whether it is subtle or obvious, drags God's sheep away from the flock of believers, and when it does, what are we as God's people supposed to do?
We are supposed to emulate the Good Shepherd in today's Scripture and search for them. We are to love and pray for them without judgement or condemnation. We are to let them know that we are there for them, no matter what. Such love has the power to draw people back into a vibrant walk of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with our Lord and His church, a turnaround that is cause for rejoicing here on earth as well as in heaven.
For whom might God have you searching today?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You never give up on us when we slip and fall into sin. Help us, as Your children, to do likewise in regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ, that many will be returned to the fold of Your love and forgiveness. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.
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About the author:
Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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You amaze me with your writing, Lynne. Thank you.
Morning Lynne, another great read. Thanks, always.
Your Nan had a great sense of humor, Lynne. A great message to inspire me for Sunday School this morning!
Thank you for the truth you proclaimed today through his word. It shows how much he loves us even that one that slips!
Hello Lynne
Thank you for another good one.
Have a great week.
God bless.
Gosh I can see this happening with the ice we’ve had here in Manitoba this winter.
Good writing. Thank you.
Really strong winds today. No Red Sea to part but everything else is on the move.
Lynne:
A note to say thank you for your thoughts.
Quite appropriate, as our service was cancelled today due to ice and dreadful roads.
Ongoing thanks.
Lynne, it amazes me (though it shouldn’t) how God’s timing is so perfect. Reading your message this morning made it so clear to me about a friend who has drifted from church and the faith.
Your question following was as if it was in flashing neon lights. Of course! Why didn’t I automatically pray for her? I guess I really needed that heads up today! Thanks so much!
Dear Lynne, thank you for another of your very special devotionals.
Thankfully Nan wasn’t badly injured in that slippery fall under the vehicle. You have done a great analogy coordinating that slip with how easily we can slip into sin and fall away from our Lord’s guidance. We need be ever thankful that when we make that misstep, He willingly welcomes us back into His fold. Blessings for these very mindful and encouraging writings you prepare.
I’m actually struggling with how to speak to several of my friends who don’t ‘know’ the Lord. They KNOW about Him, but they are all at different places in not wanting to ‘know’ Him. Your wonderful anecdote is a perfect place to start – and to continue just loving them, caring, and waiting for the Lord to set up the right situation(s) for the right analogies and the right Scriptures. Lynne, you never cease to amaze me with your awesome stories – and the timing in my own ‘walk’. May the Lord bless you and ‘keep’ you all the days of your life. Amen, and thank you again.
Hello Lynne,
What a good illustration that “ice” story is! May we all try to rescue “lost sheep” among our friends and family.
We hope that there won’t be much more ice this season as we have been having mostly mild temperatures lately. In fact, I picked a daffodil bud three days ago which was growing in a very sheltered place where the front porch joins the house. It opened overnight and has been very beautiful in a crystal vase. It certainly has been enjoyable.
May your spring soon provide much pleasure for you.
God Bless and thanks for writing.
Good morning, Lynne,
Your Nan must have had a good sense of humour. I can’t imagine laughing if I slipped under the car even if I wasn’t hurt. It is a great way to highlight this passage in the Bible. It is one of my favourite ones because it reminds me how important each and every one of us is to our God.
I like your ideas on how to respond when someone slips in faith or hasn’t made it there yet. Definitely sage advice and encouragement to not give up hope. God never gives up hope for us so let us remember “what is today, is not necessarily what it will be tomorrow.”
Thanks for always being encouraging. Blessings.
Wonderful devotional Lynne. Thank you.
What an amazing “rescue”! And strong teaching too! Thanks Lynne!
PS I’m still on a rescue mission to get folks INTO the fold!
Thanks, Lynne. Your Nan sounds like a very interesting person! This is a good challenge for us.