East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

DAYTON–Nearly thirty years ago Susie and I made a trip to Dayton to be interviewed, which would determine if we would Pastor here. On the way we came across a few sheep on the main highway a couple miles out of town. We stopped, moved the sheep off the road, found the owner, and helped them back to their pen. In all the trips we've made on that highway since, we've never again come across sheep on the road. I believe the Lord was calling us to Dayton to help care for His sheep.

Jesus spoke of the shepherd who left his 99 sheep to go find the one that was lost. A lost sheep is very helpless, in danger of predators and wild terrain. He is alone and becomes frightened. In love and compassion for the one lost sheep, the shepherd goes looking, finds it, places it on his shoulders, and calls for a celebration when he gets it home.

God cares for each person who suffers from being lost in their sins, guilt, shame, helplessness, and in danger of the enemy. God loves you. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has died for our sins, sought us, saved us, and brought us home into the love of God. "When he finds it, He joyfully puts it on His shoulders and goes home. Then he calls His friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with Me; I have found My lost sheep.

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent" Luke 15:5-7.

Each one of us has been a lost sheep. We went our own way, sinned against God, and got lost. With a seeking heart and open arms, Jesus invites us to come home. "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved ".