Jesus Poses An Interesting Question (Matthew 18:12-14)

When Jesus is speaking to His disciples He asks, “Does it make sense to leave the ninety-nine sheep and go search after one who goes astray?”   It seems that the answer is obvious.  It is an easy question to answer.  The disciple’s response should all be the same.

It would be foolish to leave ninety -nine sheep in order to go in search of one sheep who decided to do it’s own thing.  If the shepherd leaves, then other sheep will wander off and shepherd will have a big mess.  Plus, there is no guarantee that one sheep will be found.

Though the disciples may see what they think is the correct answer, thank goodness that human wisdom is folly to God, and God’s folly is the wisdom and power which saves us.  We are the strays that Heavenly Father is coming after, finding us, to give to us.  He gives forgiveness, rebirth in Jesus, and unconditional acceptance.

Praise God that the coming of Jesus at Christmas means that God does not want straying.  For you see, Heavenly Father risks rejection and patiently waits for you to come to your senses.  Come back to the flock of believers in Christ and there then will be unrestrained JOY in Heaven.          Amen.

Rev Patricia E. Walker, AlphaChurch.org

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Prayer Requests:

Steve L., healing from throat cancer. UPDATE: Healed, no throat cancer.

Sophia F., praise for Christ's miracles for surviving school shooting, prayer for full neurological recovery.

Steve R., healing and recovery from stage 4 colon cancer and prayers for Kristin J. who gave him her liver.

David W., recovery and healing from Parkinson's Disease, balance and stability, no depression.

2 year old Beckman Reed on life support because stung by yellowjackets, healing prayers and hope for parents.

John E.L., found out this past week he has cancer, healing prayers and family support.

Brielie, healing from cancer and blessings on her friendships.

Latisha, David's adult daughter, died unexpectantly and without warning. Healing prayer for his family during their sorrow.

The flooding in Southern Texas with loss of lives at the girl's Christian Camp and along the river. Prayers for parents and families in sorrow, and for friends who were a part of the tragic day's events. May our Lord's comfort and compassion touch their hearts.

Prayers that they find Cile Steward, from the Mystic Camp flood in South Texas.

Cody and Megan, and baby boy, Jesus' healing from injuries in car accident in Temple, Georgia.

Young Hazel, healing for her adrenal gland tumor growth found during chemo, increased prayers.

Young John who is struggling to get healed from cancer.

Young Wyatt, who was hit by a car

Baby Ashley, under doctors' care

Young Cooper, facing complications related to leukemia

Young Ryder, with a serious form of cancer

A nearly teenage girl, recovering from a heart transplant

Kevin B., facing cancer concerns due to brain tumors. Update: Brain tumors stopped growing. Increased prayer for tumors growing in his lungs, for healing.

Young Lawson and family, battling blood clots and recovery challenges

Lennon, a toddler whose cancer has relapsed— prayers for healing and renewed hope

Waylon B., who has a brain tumor

Jake C, born 12 weeks early, prayers that he thrive

Colton, a teenager in a terrible car accident, multiple surgeries already, healing from Jesus.