September 6

Read: Luke 15:4-7

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? (Luke 15:4) Go After That Which Is Lost

At the visitation center in our church I sometimes see a little printed reminder. The Holy Spirit puts me under conviction each time it confronts me. It is this: “Most men who are lost, are lost because no one planned to win them.”

Can God use me to lead a friend to Jesus? Yes, if I care enough and will dare enough. Jesus gave the parable of the lost sheep to show us the essential qualifications of the soul winner. They are two — knowledge and action.

Unsaved men and women are lost. I say it — but do I believe it? Yes, I believe it — but do I really believe it? I think that I really believe it, but am I making any plans to win the unsaved?

The shepherd knew that a lost sheep was in desperate danger. That knowledge galvanized him into action. He laid aside 99 per cent of his usual duties to concentrate upon the most important need of the hour. When a soul is lost, is anything more important than showing him the way to Christ?

The first problem of soul winning is the soul winner. How much of Christ do I have to share? How deeply am I concerned? How responsive will I be to the prompting of the Holy Spirit today? When the shepherd knew that his sheep was missing, he went “after that which was lost,” until he found it. Do I know of a lost friend? Have I been concerned enough to lay aside some other less important things to go after him?

Teacher Divine, use me, I ask? Grant to me strength for my sacred task. Thy Spirit move me, Lord, I pray; Help me to win some soul today.*

*Copyright 1960 by Lillenas Publishing Company. All rights reserved.