Today, some points are shared on the ministry of Jesus to “the lost.” A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “towwwdothello” (Level 6 with 24,423 points, a member since December 27, 2007) posted the following:
What did Jesus do with the sheep who lost their way?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Lost and Found? (11/08/2014); Two Different Sides? (11/09/2014); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013)
“towwwdothello”, here are a few points you may have considered before:
(1.) Those spoken of as “lost” in the holy writings started out and continue to be in a relationship where Jesus Christ is identified as their owner and shepherd, so to speak. A separation has occurred whereby a “lost” believer is distanced from the flock (we say, other believers), from sacred knowledge, and from his proper place of duty, learning, nourishment, and service.
(2.) Those whose awareness and self-will become dominated by sin enter into spiritual confusion where they are unable to discern correctly the spirit content of events, lessons, messages, etc. In effect, they can no longer hear, recognize, and respond to the shepherd’s call. Depending upon such finite tools as a compass (i.e., technology), intellect, philosophy, and science, believers forget GOD, and do not maintain focus upon the vital provisions from divinity.
(3.) The condition of being “lost” pertains to the fullness and correctness for communion, exchanges, and interactions among and between believers as well as in ones relationship with divinity. Those who left Egypt with Moses, and wandered for 40 years, were never “lost.” GOD does not “lose track” of our physical location within the earth. However, believers may become deprived of the authority, benefits and privileges of fellowship with divinity through separation that occurs because of a worldly lifestyle, irregular practice of private prayer, failure to maintain self-discipline, and refusing daily study to gain sacred knowledge.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Jesus came to recover the lost. In addition to encouraging change and exhorting the people to repent (i.e., acknowledge their covenant promises, renew their commitment, and return to GOD), Jesus shared sacred comforts (e.g., cheer, cleansing, forbearance, forgiveness, healing, joy, love, wisdom), and proclaimed the kingdom of GOD. The Savior served as a high priest who would make atonement for sin within the Sanctuary in heaven. The “lost” were shown it is not GOD’s eternal purpose that they be abandoned, denied, destroyed, forgotten, ignored, oppressed, or rejected.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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