Read it: Acts 2:42 NLT, Luke 15:1-7 NLT
Live it:
By definition, “Lost Sheep” are not found in the sheepfold or amongst the other sheep in the pasture. They tend to be found in some of the most unlikely places.
As a boy growing up on the farm, we had chickens, pigs and cattle but no sheep. I remember asking my dad why. His response was “I won’t have an animal that’s dumber than a chicken!” Since the Bible refers to us as sheep, I didn’t find that observation very flattering. Sheep do not have a reputation for being the smartest animal on the farm (They may be loveable as lambs—but definitely not smart) I don’t think I’ve ever seen an animal act with a “trained sheep.”
Sheep separated from the flock are totally defenseless; they get lost easily. If not fenced, they wander off and usually can’t find their way back home. Alone, they are easy prey to any kind of attacker. From what I’ve read, predators will try to separate one from the flock because they’re easier prey when alone. There’s safety in numbers. The same is true in our Christian walk: alone we tend to wonder off into “pastures that look good but are poisonous,” making us easy prey for Satan’s crafty schemes. We need each other, and the Shepherd, for safety. Whether it’s in fellowship or for accountability, being together keeps us protected from poisonous pastures (false teachings) and wild animals (Satan’s crafty schemes).
How can we remain in fellowship? How can we help others remain in fellowship? We’ll examine this more closely as we look at “runaway lambs” and “bummer lambs.”
Ps. Gary