How many times have we lost our car keys?  We look all over until they are found, and most of the time they are right where we left them, maybe on the table or in our pants pocket. You know that when your cell phone gets misplaced you do not stop looking until it is found.

In Matthew 18 Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who has 100 sheep, and he loses one.  The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one sheep that was lost.  When he finds the lost sheep that went astray he rejoices more for that one than for the 99 that were not lost. 

“For the Son of Man is come to save those that are lost”.  Matt 18:11

In Matthew 25 Jesus also tells a parable about righteous and unrighteous people.  They both saw people who were hungry, and people who were thirsty, they also saw strangers, people who needed clothes, and who were in prison.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying “Lord, when did we see thee hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw thee a stranger, and took you in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when we saw thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say, Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME.    Matt 25: 37-40.

Brothers and Sisters, we have an opportunity daily to answer the call of the two parables Jesus taught. Challenge yourself to leave the 99 (step out of your comfort zone) and invite that one lost soul who has been on your prayer list.  Maybe it’s a co-worker, neighbor or a family member.  Shouldn’t you be as concerned to find lost friends as you are to find that cell phone?  We can be like the righteous when we see our brother in need and invite him to the Master’s Side to Worship with us.

Now, have you lost anything lately?

Yes, but we know where you can find it.

Don’t you???