The Myth of the 99

 

I am starting something new on my blog. I will start posting devotionals about the sermon from the previous Sunday and here is why. As a pastor I have asked the question, often, what was the sermon about YESTERDAY. You would be surprised that MOST, a SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY of the people, cannot remember what the sermon was about. SO, I am going to remind you via this blog. I will post a daily devotional each day about a part of the MESSAGE from SUNDAY. Let me know your thoughts.

The Myth of the 99

I shared on Sunday, there's something unsettling about the parable of the lost sheep that bothers me. 

Why would a shepherd risk 99 sheep for just one? 

It seems irresponsible, even reckless. We naturally want to identify with the 99 - the good sheep, the faithful ones who stayed put. 

But here's the revolutionary truth that changes everything: there are no 99. 

This isn't a story about God playing favorites or being unfair to the faithful. It's a story that exposes our deepest need. We all want to believe we're part of the righteous majority, the ones who have it together spiritually. We compare ourselves to others and think, 

"At least I'm not as bad as them." 

But Scripture paints a different picture. Every single one of us has wandered away from God. Every single one of us has chosen our own path over His. 

This realization is both humbling and liberating. Humbling because it strips away our self-righteousness and pride. We can't earn our way into God's favor or claim we deserve His love more than someone else. But it's also liberating because it means God's grace is available to everyone - including you. You don't have to pretend to be perfect. You don't have to earn your place in God's family. You simply need to recognize that you're the lost sheep He's been searching for all along. And the beautiful news is that He's already found you.

'The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.' - Psalm 53:2

How does recognizing that you're not part of the 'righteous 99' but rather the 'lost one' change your understanding of grace and your relationship with others who are also lost?

Even as a Pastor I am not a part of the 99. I am in need of a SAVIOR every day. I need repentence just like everyone else. The key to this passage is the end of the story:

"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over the ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!" (Luke 15:7, NLT)

Do you know anyones who is righteous and does not need to repent?  I don't know anyone who is righteous without the GOOD SHEPHERD. WE ARE ALL THE LOST SHEEP, in need of a SAVIOR!

Quote The 99 don't exist.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for thinking I'm better than others or that I deserve Your love more than someone else. Help me to see that we're all lost sheep in need of Your grace. Thank You for finding me. Amen.