The Parable of the Lost Sheep | David Shivers

All right, good morning. Take your copy All right, good morning. Take your copy of God's word. What some incredible of God's word. What some incredible of God's word. What some incredible worship we've just experienced together. worship we've just experienced together. worship we've just experienced together. Uh whether you have a uh physical copy Uh whether you have a uh physical copy Uh whether you have a uh physical copy of God's word or a uh tablet or a phone of God's word or a uh tablet or a phone of God's word or a uh tablet or a phone or a device, or a device, or a device, we're in Luke chapter 15 we're in Luke chapter 15 we're in Luke chapter 15 and this is the word of God. Let me just and this is the word of God. Let me just and this is the word of God. Let me just say uh at the outset how uh excited and say uh at the outset how uh excited and say uh at the outset how uh excited and blessed I am to be here. I love your blessed I am to be here. I love your blessed I am to be here. I love your pastor. He's a lifelong friend, Michael. pastor. He's a lifelong friend, Michael. pastor. He's a lifelong friend, Michael. and Katie and the whole crew of Gossip and Katie and the whole crew of Gossip and Katie and the whole crew of Gossip Children. I love them. Thank you for uh Children. I love them. Thank you for uh Children. I love them. Thank you for uh the invitation. Uh blessed to be here, the invitation. Uh blessed to be here, the invitation. Uh blessed to be here, Pastor Todd. And um let's dive into Pastor Todd. And um let's dive into Pastor Todd. And um let's dive into God's word. Luke 15 God's word. Luke 15 God's word. Luke 15 verses 1-7. verses 1-7. verses 1-7. Now the tax collectors and sinners, Now the tax collectors and sinners, Now the tax collectors and sinners, it's going to look a lot better with it's going to look a lot better with it's going to look a lot better with these on. these on. these on. I still feel young. And then I put these I still feel young. And then I put these I still feel young. And then I put these on and it's like, nope. You're not young on and it's like, nope. You're not young on and it's like, nope. You're not young anymore, shivers. Now the tax collectors anymore, shivers. Now the tax collectors anymore, shivers. Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to and sinners were all gathering around to and sinners were all gathering around to hear him.

hear him. hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of But the Pharisees and the teachers of But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes the law muttered, "This man welcomes the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." sinners and eats with them." sinners and eats with them." Verse three, then Jesus told them this Verse three, then Jesus told them this Verse three, then Jesus told them this parable in response to this scene of two parable in response to this scene of two parable in response to this scene of two divergent, very different groups. Jesus divergent, very different groups. Jesus divergent, very different groups. Jesus says, "Listen to this story, parable, says, "Listen to this story, parable, says, "Listen to this story, parable, parabol. parabol. parabol. It's from the Greek. Two truths thrown It's from the Greek. Two truths thrown It's from the Greek. Two truths thrown together. Two things held up in together. Two things held up in together. Two things held up in comparison to one another. comparison to one another. comparison to one another. It's an earthly story with a heavenly It's an earthly story with a heavenly It's an earthly story with a heavenly truth. Suppose one of you, verse four, truth. Suppose one of you, verse four, truth. Suppose one of you, verse four, has a hund sheep and loses one of them. has a hund sheep and loses one of them. has a hund sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the 99 in the open Does he not leave the 99 in the open Does he not leave the 99 in the open country and go?" Everybody say go. On country and go?" Everybody say go. On country and go?" Everybody say go. On three. One, two, three. three. One, two, three. three. One, two, three. after the lost sheep until he finds it. after the lost sheep until he finds it. after the lost sheep until he finds it. And when he finds it, verse 5, he And when he finds it, verse 5, he And when he finds it, verse 5, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and joyfully puts it on his shoulders and joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. And then he calls his friends goes home. And then he calls his friends goes home. And then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, and neighbors together and says, and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me." Everybody say, "Rejoice with me." Everybody say, "Rejoice with me." Everybody say, "Rejoice." On three. 1 2 3.

"Rejoice." On three. 1 2 3. "Rejoice." On three. 1 2 3. >> Says, "Rejoice with me. I have found my >> Says, "Rejoice with me. I have found my >> Says, "Rejoice with me. I have found my lost sheep." lost sheep." lost sheep." I tell you that in the same way there I tell you that in the same way there I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over will be more rejoicing in heaven over will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 one sinner who repents than over 99 one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to righteous persons who do not need to righteous persons who do not need to repent. This is a familiar text. repent. This is a familiar text. repent. This is a familiar text. Jesus goes on and tell about a lost coin Jesus goes on and tell about a lost coin Jesus goes on and tell about a lost coin and a and a lost son, a prodigal son. and a and a lost son, a prodigal son. and a and a lost son, a prodigal son. And um we don't have an hour to unpack And um we don't have an hour to unpack And um we don't have an hour to unpack the whole chapter. So I'm going to stay the whole chapter. So I'm going to stay the whole chapter. So I'm going to stay on the first seven verses. All right, on the first seven verses. All right, on the first seven verses. All right, Mr. Enright, I'm not I'm gonna get you Mr. Enright, I'm not I'm gonna get you Mr. Enright, I'm not I'm gonna get you out of here and y'all are going to get out of here and y'all are going to get out of here and y'all are going to get to lunch and it's going to be great. Um to lunch and it's going to be great. Um to lunch and it's going to be great. Um we're not going to be here for 45 we're not going to be here for 45 we're not going to be here for 45 minutes or an hour. Just going to look minutes or an hour. Just going to look minutes or an hour. Just going to look at seven verses, but some of you need to at seven verses, but some of you need to at seven verses, but some of you need to hear today this story in a in a fresh hear today this story in a in a fresh hear today this story in a in a fresh way with a new set of eyes, way with a new set of eyes, way with a new set of eyes, a new heart attitude. a new heart attitude. a new heart attitude. is it's easy to dismiss this parable as is it's easy to dismiss this parable as is it's easy to dismiss this parable as one of just lost people. Oh yeah, I've one of just lost people. Oh yeah, I've one of just lost people. Oh yeah, I've heard that before. The shepherd loves heard that before. The shepherd loves heard that before. The shepherd loves the sheep. The shepherd does what he has the sheep. The shepherd does what he has the sheep. The shepherd does what he has to do for the sheep. And we should do to do for the sheep. And we should do to do for the sheep. And we should do the same thing for the lost.

the same thing for the lost. the same thing for the lost. And that's true. But there are also two And that's true. But there are also two And that's true. But there are also two very distinct people groups that I want very distinct people groups that I want very distinct people groups that I want you to to see and to notice in verses 1 you to to see and to notice in verses 1 you to to see and to notice in verses 1 and two. Because this isn't just a and two. Because this isn't just a and two. Because this isn't just a parable for those that are outside the parable for those that are outside the parable for those that are outside the church that need to hear about the church that need to hear about the church that need to hear about the gospel and Jesus. This is a parable for gospel and Jesus. This is a parable for gospel and Jesus. This is a parable for all of you, my brothers and sisters, all of you, my brothers and sisters, all of you, my brothers and sisters, sitting in these pews today at sitting in these pews today at sitting in these pews today at Greenacres Baptist Church. Greenacres Baptist Church. Greenacres Baptist Church. This is a call for you to look, to This is a call for you to look, to This is a call for you to look, to inspect, to investigate. Kind of a heart inspect, to investigate. Kind of a heart inspect, to investigate. Kind of a heart check, if you will. check, if you will. check, if you will. A heart check. A heart check. A heart check. Is my heart beating with this same Is my heart beating with this same Is my heart beating with this same passion that the shepherd's heart beats passion that the shepherd's heart beats passion that the shepherd's heart beats with? Is that name of Jesus? Think about with? Is that name of Jesus? Think about with? Is that name of Jesus? Think about these first two verses. This beautiful these first two verses. This beautiful these first two verses. This beautiful name that we just sang about that's high name that we just sang about that's high name that we just sang about that's high and lifted up. This beautiful name that and lifted up. This beautiful name that and lifted up. This beautiful name that we praise and we exalt. Is it is his we praise and we exalt. Is it is his we praise and we exalt. Is it is his name being lifted up in my life? My name being lifted up in my life? My name being lifted up in my life? My day-to-day rhythms day-to-day rhythms day-to-day rhythms where God has me and where he's called where God has me and where he's called where God has me and where he's called me? me? me? Look at verses one and two again. Now Look at verses one and two again. Now Look at verses one and two again. Now the tax collectors the tax collectors the tax collectors and sinners, if you hold it out here, and sinners, if you hold it out here, and sinners, if you hold it out here, it's still pretty good. I can still see it's still pretty good. I can still see it's still pretty good. I can still see it pretty good. were all gathering it pretty good. were all gathering it pretty good. were all gathering around him.

around him. around him. This is what was happening to Jesus. Two This is what was happening to Jesus. Two This is what was happening to Jesus. Two different people groups. There were different people groups. There were different people groups. There were outcasts and there were those that were outcasts and there were those that were outcasts and there were those that were considered the religious elite. considered the religious elite. considered the religious elite. Think about your life. Thinking about my Think about your life. Thinking about my Think about your life. Thinking about my own life. own life. own life. When I show up When I show up When I show up and people see me and I interact with and people see me and I interact with and people see me and I interact with people and I'm am I one that like Jesus people and I'm am I one that like Jesus people and I'm am I one that like Jesus loves people unconditionally loves people unconditionally loves people unconditionally that loves people that loves people that loves people right at their point of need right at their point of need right at their point of need unapologetically unapologetically unapologetically or or am I one who is so holier than now or or am I one who is so holier than now or or am I one who is so holier than now and and been walking with God for so and and been walking with God for so and and been walking with God for so long that I don't even notice the lost long that I don't even notice the lost long that I don't even notice the lost people around people around people around these Pharisees and these scribes, these these Pharisees and these scribes, these these Pharisees and these scribes, these religious elite, they're going through religious elite, they're going through religious elite, they're going through the motions. They're checking all the the motions. They're checking all the the motions. They're checking all the boxes. They're showing up Sunday after boxes. They're showing up Sunday after boxes. They're showing up Sunday after Sunday after Sunday, Sunday after Sunday, Sunday after Sunday, but they're muttering. They're grumbled.

but they're muttering. They're grumbled. but they're muttering. They're grumbled. They hate it when they see other people They hate it when they see other people They hate it when they see other people running to Jesus. So just at the outset of this parable as So just at the outset of this parable as we dive into this story and the we dive into this story and the we dive into this story and the remaining verses that we have together, remaining verses that we have together, remaining verses that we have together, I want you to think about your life I want you to think about your life I want you to think about your life today, today, today, this season of life, this chapter where this season of life, this chapter where this season of life, this chapter where God has you. God has you. God has you. Are you someone who loves and who exalts Are you someone who loves and who exalts Are you someone who loves and who exalts and who makes a big deal about Jesus in and who makes a big deal about Jesus in and who makes a big deal about Jesus in your life day in and day out? Doesn't your life day in and day out? Doesn't your life day in and day out? Doesn't mean you have to be one of those Jesus mean you have to be one of those Jesus mean you have to be one of those Jesus freak people that puts everybody off. freak people that puts everybody off. freak people that puts everybody off. just loving, winsomely, just loving, winsomely, just loving, winsomely, generously, generously, generously, meeting people, interacting with people. meeting people, interacting with people. meeting people, interacting with people. Because the longer that we sit in Because the longer that we sit in Because the longer that we sit in church, most of the research says that church, most of the research says that church, most of the research says that the longer you sit in church, you become the longer you sit in church, you become the longer you sit in church, you become more and more in detached from the lost more and more in detached from the lost more and more in detached from the lost world. world. world. And the and the the amount of sinners And the and the the amount of sinners And the and the the amount of sinners and outcasts and broken and rebellious and outcasts and broken and rebellious and outcasts and broken and rebellious people that are in your life diminishes people that are in your life diminishes people that are in your life diminishes year after year.

year after year. year after year. moment after moment if we're not moment after moment if we're not moment after moment if we're not intentionally loving and reaching and intentionally loving and reaching and intentionally loving and reaching and unapologetically unconditionally trying unapologetically unconditionally trying unapologetically unconditionally trying to connect with the people that are to connect with the people that are to connect with the people that are around us. Jesus loved them powerfully, around us. Jesus loved them powerfully, around us. Jesus loved them powerfully, impactfully. People were drawn to him. impactfully. People were drawn to him. impactfully. People were drawn to him. The religious people were put off by The religious people were put off by The religious people were put off by this. And so in response to this this. And so in response to this this. And so in response to this criticism, Jesus tells them a parable criticism, Jesus tells them a parable criticism, Jesus tells them a parable that they would have been very familiar that they would have been very familiar that they would have been very familiar with in that agrarian society. shepherds with in that agrarian society. shepherds with in that agrarian society. shepherds and sheep. Instead of lecturing, he and sheep. Instead of lecturing, he and sheep. Instead of lecturing, he paints them a picture. He tells them paints them a picture. He tells them paints them a picture. He tells them about a scene that they would have been about a scene that they would have been about a scene that they would have been very familiar with. And I want you to very familiar with. And I want you to very familiar with. And I want you to see as we look at these sheep, just the see as we look at these sheep, just the see as we look at these sheep, just the familiarity and the similarities between familiarity and the similarities between familiarity and the similarities between us as human beings, sinful, broken, us as human beings, sinful, broken, us as human beings, sinful, broken, fallen. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart fallen. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart fallen. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart of man is deceptively wicked above all of man is deceptively wicked above all of man is deceptively wicked above all else. Who can know the depth of it? that else. Who can know the depth of it? that else. Who can know the depth of it? that we like these sheep are lost. we like these sheep are lost. we like these sheep are lost. That we are lost until we come into this That we are lost until we come into this That we are lost until we come into this relationship. We celebrated two relationship. We celebrated two relationship. We celebrated two beautiful baptism of young people's beautiful baptism of young people's beautiful baptism of young people's lives who've been transformed and lives who've been transformed and lives who've been transformed and impacted mightily by the grace of God.

impacted mightily by the grace of God. impacted mightily by the grace of God. And we all look at the condition of the And we all look at the condition of the And we all look at the condition of the sheep. We all like sheep naturally sheep. We all like sheep naturally sheep. We all like sheep naturally wander. We wander away the stuff of the wander. We wander away the stuff of the wander. We wander away the stuff of the world. world. world. We are so easily distracted. I know I We are so easily distracted. I know I We are so easily distracted. I know I am. I know many of you can identify with am. I know many of you can identify with am. I know many of you can identify with that. This sheep is not attacked. that. This sheep is not attacked. that. This sheep is not attacked. This sheep that the shepherd loses, it's This sheep that the shepherd loses, it's This sheep that the shepherd loses, it's not stolen. There was not a a a band of not stolen. There was not a a a band of not stolen. There was not a a a band of of robbers or thieves that came and took of robbers or thieves that came and took of robbers or thieves that came and took this sheep. This sheep just left. It this sheep. This sheep just left. It this sheep. This sheep just left. It just naturally drifted just naturally drifted just naturally drifted away from the herd. And that can happen away from the herd. And that can happen away from the herd. And that can happen in our lives individually. in our lives individually. in our lives individually. Just a little compromise, just one Just a little compromise, just one Just a little compromise, just one decision, decision, decision, a little neglect, a little compromise, a little neglect, a little compromise, a little neglect, a little compromise, we can start taking steps in a we can start taking steps in a we can start taking steps in a particular direction. And it sin, it particular direction. And it sin, it particular direction. And it sin, it doesn't always happen in a huge leap. doesn't always happen in a huge leap. doesn't always happen in a huge leap. It's just a series of small steps It's just a series of small steps It's just a series of small steps that when we accommodate that when we accommodate that when we accommodate um sin, when we give the devil an um sin, when we give the devil an um sin, when we give the devil an opportunity that he takes way more than opportunity that he takes way more than opportunity that he takes way more than we ever imagine. Look at the sheep. The we ever imagine. Look at the sheep. The we ever imagine. Look at the sheep. The sheep are directionless and the sheep sheep are directionless and the sheep sheep are directionless and the sheep are defenseless.

are defenseless. are defenseless. Jesus said, "There's a shepherd who Jesus said, "There's a shepherd who Jesus said, "There's a shepherd who loses one. Does he not leave the 99? loses one. Does he not leave the 99? loses one. Does he not leave the 99? These sheep have poor insight, eyesight, These sheep have poor insight, eyesight, These sheep have poor insight, eyesight, excuse me. They follow the herd. They've excuse me. They follow the herd. They've excuse me. They follow the herd. They've got no sense of direction. got no sense of direction. got no sense of direction. They depend on the shepherd. They depend on the shepherd. They depend on the shepherd. They depend on the shepherd. They're They depend on the shepherd. They're They depend on the shepherd. They're unable to defend themselves. The unable to defend themselves. The unable to defend themselves. The psalmist said in Psalm 2 uh 3:4 that psalmist said in Psalm 2 uh 3:4 that psalmist said in Psalm 2 uh 3:4 that it's thy rod and thy sh your staff and it's thy rod and thy sh your staff and it's thy rod and thy sh your staff and your rod, they comfort me. He says, I'll your rod, they comfort me. He says, I'll your rod, they comfort me. He says, I'll fear no evil. says, "When I'm when I'm fear no evil. says, "When I'm when I'm fear no evil. says, "When I'm when I'm out there in the world, that that rod out there in the world, that that rod out there in the world, that that rod and that staff, it it not only corrected and that staff, it it not only corrected and that staff, it it not only corrected in a disciplinary sense, but it guided in a disciplinary sense, but it guided in a disciplinary sense, but it guided and great and brought great comfort to and great and brought great comfort to and great and brought great comfort to the sheep that they're not on their the sheep that they're not on their the sheep that they're not on their own." own." own." And for us individually as we walk And for us individually as we walk And for us individually as we walk through life just like these sheep, we through life just like these sheep, we through life just like these sheep, we at times can be directionless and we can at times can be directionless and we can at times can be directionless and we can be defenseless. We don't have uh be defenseless. We don't have uh be defenseless. We don't have uh defenses uh to fight the the darkness of defenses uh to fight the the darkness of defenses uh to fight the the darkness of this world apart from Jesus. Apart from this world apart from Jesus. Apart from this world apart from Jesus. Apart from Jesus. Isaiah 53:6 say all it says all Jesus. Isaiah 53:6 say all it says all Jesus. Isaiah 53:6 say all it says all we like sheep have gone astray. Each of we like sheep have gone astray. Each of we like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has gone to our own way. But praise us has gone to our own way. But praise us has gone to our own way. But praise be to God that he laid upon him Jesus be to God that he laid upon him Jesus be to God that he laid upon him Jesus the iniquity of us all. All we like the iniquity of us all. All we like the iniquity of us all. All we like sheep have gone astray. Psalm 51 uh5 sheep have gone astray. Psalm 51 uh5 sheep have gone astray. Psalm 51 uh5 says that we were born in sin conceived says that we were born in sin conceived says that we were born in sin conceived in iniquity.

in iniquity. in iniquity. that all of us at one time were just that all of us at one time were just that all of us at one time were just like this lost sheep wandering from the like this lost sheep wandering from the like this lost sheep wandering from the herd. herd. herd. A bad relationship, a compromise, one A bad relationship, a compromise, one A bad relationship, a compromise, one sin sinful habit, sin sinful habit, sin sinful habit, neglect. neglect. neglect. It's been said that sin will cost us It's been said that sin will cost us It's been said that sin will cost us more than we want to pay. It will take more than we want to pay. It will take more than we want to pay. It will take us uh farther than we want to go and us uh farther than we want to go and us uh farther than we want to go and it'll cost us more uh than we want to it'll cost us more uh than we want to it'll cost us more uh than we want to stay and it'll keep us longer than we stay and it'll keep us longer than we stay and it'll keep us longer than we want to stay. sin in our lives. When we want to stay. sin in our lives. When we want to stay. sin in our lives. When we accommodate sin, it only hurts and it accommodate sin, it only hurts and it accommodate sin, it only hurts and it only brings about pain and destruction only brings about pain and destruction only brings about pain and destruction and the collateral damage and the collateral damage and the collateral damage in our lives and in the lives of those in our lives and in the lives of those in our lives and in the lives of those that we love. that we love. that we love. Only God, only a good shepherd who loves Only God, only a good shepherd who loves Only God, only a good shepherd who loves us, who desires the very best from us. us, who desires the very best from us. us, who desires the very best from us. And the the character of the loving And the the character of the loving And the the character of the loving shepherd is incredible. When we wander shepherd is incredible. When we wander shepherd is incredible. When we wander in this parable, uh the character of the in this parable, uh the character of the in this parable, uh the character of the shepherd, his love, his commitment, his shepherd, his love, his commitment, his shepherd, his love, his commitment, his passion is phenomenal to me. Immediately passion is phenomenal to me. Immediately passion is phenomenal to me. Immediately he notices as I read this passage he notices as I read this passage he notices as I read this passage in uh preparation for this morning. I in uh preparation for this morning. I in uh preparation for this morning. I just thought about a hundred sheep. Uh just thought about a hundred sheep. Uh just thought about a hundred sheep. Uh they all look the same, they all smell they all look the same, they all smell they all look the same, they all smell the same, they all act the same. came.

the same, they all act the same. came. the same, they all act the same. came. It would have been very hard, I would It would have been very hard, I would It would have been very hard, I would assume, not having been a shepherd assume, not having been a shepherd assume, not having been a shepherd myself. I I feel like it would have been myself. I I feel like it would have been myself. I I feel like it would have been so difficult to have even noticed when so difficult to have even noticed when so difficult to have even noticed when one was gone. But this shepherd uh one was gone. But this shepherd uh one was gone. But this shepherd uh notices and has a heart. He knows that notices and has a heart. He knows that notices and has a heart. He knows that it's gone. It speaks to the personal it's gone. It speaks to the personal it's gone. It speaks to the personal relationship that this shepherd has with relationship that this shepherd has with relationship that this shepherd has with his sheep. his sheep. his sheep. And we serve a good good God who is our And we serve a good good God who is our And we serve a good good God who is our heavenly father who desires a personal heavenly father who desires a personal heavenly father who desires a personal relationship with each and every one of relationship with each and every one of relationship with each and every one of us. It's that relationship that changes us. It's that relationship that changes us. It's that relationship that changes and transforms our lives. Church family, and transforms our lives. Church family, and transforms our lives. Church family, the shepherd is committed the shepherd is committed the shepherd is committed and the shepherd is compassionate. and the shepherd is compassionate. and the shepherd is compassionate. His commitment uh look at look at God's His commitment uh look at look at God's His commitment uh look at look at God's word there in verse 5 in Luke 15. until word there in verse 5 in Luke 15. until word there in verse 5 in Luke 15. until he finds it. He joyfully puts it. He he finds it. He joyfully puts it. He he finds it. He joyfully puts it. He goes until he finds that sheep. He goes until he finds that sheep. He goes until he finds that sheep. He leaves the 99 for that one. Until he leaves the 99 for that one. Until he leaves the 99 for that one. Until he finds it. The end of verse four says, finds it. The end of verse four says, finds it. The end of verse four says, it doesn't say until the shepherd is it doesn't say until the shepherd is it doesn't say until the shepherd is tired or until he just doesn't feel like tired or until he just doesn't feel like tired or until he just doesn't feel like it or until the sun goes down or until it or until the sun goes down or until it or until the sun goes down or until this uh little lost sheep desires to be this uh little lost sheep desires to be this uh little lost sheep desires to be rescued. the the shepherd's heart is to rescued. the the shepherd's heart is to rescued. the the shepherd's heart is to go. It's the grace of God.

go. It's the grace of God. go. It's the grace of God. And Jesus is wanting all of his And Jesus is wanting all of his And Jesus is wanting all of his listeners to understand it's the grace listeners to understand it's the grace listeners to understand it's the grace of God that pursues of God that pursues of God that pursues lost and sinful and broken human beings. lost and sinful and broken human beings. lost and sinful and broken human beings. That he goes after the sheep just like That he goes after the sheep just like That he goes after the sheep just like he goes after us. It's the the grace and he goes after us. It's the the grace and he goes after us. It's the the grace and the goodness of God and creating Adam the goodness of God and creating Adam the goodness of God and creating Adam and Eve and setting them in this garden and Eve and setting them in this garden and Eve and setting them in this garden and then placing these these boundaries and then placing these these boundaries and then placing these these boundaries and parameters and even when they make a and parameters and even when they make a and parameters and even when they make a the the wrong decision that he makes a the the wrong decision that he makes a the the wrong decision that he makes a way and he provides and the grace of God way and he provides and the grace of God way and he provides and the grace of God calls Abraham into a relationship with calls Abraham into a relationship with calls Abraham into a relationship with himself himself himself and he says you will be my my chosen and he says you will be my my chosen and he says you will be my my chosen people and I will reveal myself. the people and I will reveal myself. the people and I will reveal myself. the seed of the savior will come through you seed of the savior will come through you seed of the savior will come through you Abraham Abraham Abraham and through my chosen people Israel. and through my chosen people Israel. and through my chosen people Israel. It's the grace of God and calling out It's the grace of God and calling out It's the grace of God and calling out those disciples on the the shores of those disciples on the the shores of those disciples on the the shores of Galilee and calling Matthew at that tax Galilee and calling Matthew at that tax Galilee and calling Matthew at that tax collector's booth to come and follow me.

collector's booth to come and follow me. collector's booth to come and follow me. That's the grace of God. and Jesus That's the grace of God. and Jesus That's the grace of God. and Jesus connecting with men that he called his connecting with men that he called his connecting with men that he called his disciples and that he lived with and disciples and that he lived with and disciples and that he lived with and that he served with and that he that he served with and that he that he served with and that he demonstrated his life. It's the grace of demonstrated his life. It's the grace of demonstrated his life. It's the grace of God when he called Zakius out of that God when he called Zakius out of that God when he called Zakius out of that tree and he said, "Get down here, tree and he said, "Get down here, tree and he said, "Get down here, Zakius. We're having a party at your Zakius. We're having a party at your Zakius. We're having a party at your house tonight." It's that grace of God house tonight." It's that grace of God house tonight." It's that grace of God that radically changed that transformed that radically changed that transformed that radically changed that transformed in a moment the heart of Saul of Tarsus in a moment the heart of Saul of Tarsus in a moment the heart of Saul of Tarsus who persecuted and killed and was who persecuted and killed and was who persecuted and killed and was condoning the killing of Stephen at the condoning the killing of Stephen at the condoning the killing of Stephen at the end of Acts chapter 7. He stood there end of Acts chapter 7. He stood there end of Acts chapter 7. He stood there and threw his coat in with all of the and threw his coat in with all of the and threw his coat in with all of the other accusers that stoned Steven to other accusers that stoned Steven to other accusers that stoned Steven to death. It's the grace of God that called death. It's the grace of God that called death. It's the grace of God that called Saul of Tarsus to Paul the Apostle. Saul of Tarsus to Paul the Apostle. Saul of Tarsus to Paul the Apostle. Arguably the greatest believer who's Arguably the greatest believer who's Arguably the greatest believer who's ever lived, who penned more than half of ever lived, who penned more than half of ever lived, who penned more than half of the New Testament. That's Paul the the New Testament. That's Paul the the New Testament. That's Paul the Apostle. Apostle. Apostle. He's a shepherd who is committed, who He's a shepherd who is committed, who He's a shepherd who is committed, who sends his grace after us. And he's a sends his grace after us. And he's a sends his grace after us. And he's a shepherd that is compassionate.

shepherd that is compassionate. shepherd that is compassionate. In John chap 10 14 and 15, Jesus says In John chap 10 14 and 15, Jesus says In John chap 10 14 and 15, Jesus says that I know my sheep. He says, "I'm the that I know my sheep. He says, "I'm the that I know my sheep. He says, "I'm the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my good shepherd. I know my sheep and my good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me just as the father knows sheep know me just as the father knows sheep know me just as the father knows me and I know the father and I lay down me and I know the father and I lay down me and I know the father and I lay down my life for the sheep." Jesus says, "My my life for the sheep." Jesus says, "My my life for the sheep." Jesus says, "My sheep listen to my voice. I know them sheep listen to my voice. I know them sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me." and they follow me." and they follow me." That's the good shepherd. That's the good shepherd. That's the good shepherd. That's who our savior is. That's who That's who our savior is. That's who That's who our savior is. That's who Jesus longs to be in in your life and in Jesus longs to be in in your life and in Jesus longs to be in in your life and in my life. This is the window into the my life. This is the window into the my life. This is the window into the heart of God. He's a He's a good good heart of God. He's a He's a good good heart of God. He's a He's a good good father who knows your name. father who knows your name. father who knows your name. He knows what you're struggling with He knows what you're struggling with He knows what you're struggling with this morning. this morning. this morning. He knows what pain and heartache and He knows what pain and heartache and He knows what pain and heartache and anxiety you brought into this room anxiety you brought into this room anxiety you brought into this room today. He knows your fears. today. He knows your fears. today. He knows your fears. He's familiar with your uncertainties. He's familiar with your uncertainties. He's familiar with your uncertainties. He celebrates with you in your He celebrates with you in your He celebrates with you in your victories. victories. victories. He walks with you and and stoops down He walks with you and and stoops down He walks with you and and stoops down with you in your failures. He's a good with you in your failures. He's a good with you in your failures. He's a good good father.

good father. good father. And Jesus said, "My sheep know me. I And Jesus said, "My sheep know me. I And Jesus said, "My sheep know me. I know them. They know my I know their know them. They know my I know their know them. They know my I know their name. They hear my voice. I know their name. They hear my voice. I know their name. They hear my voice. I know their voice. I hear him." voice. I hear him." voice. I hear him." That's who Jesus is. He's a good That's who Jesus is. He's a good That's who Jesus is. He's a good shepherd. He knows you. shepherd. He knows you. shepherd. He knows you. And he's never lost sight of you. And he's never lost sight of you. And he's never lost sight of you. There are people here this morning and There are people here this morning and There are people here this morning and watching online watching online watching online all around the world who needed to hear all around the world who needed to hear all around the world who needed to hear that today that you have a shepherd that today that you have a shepherd that today that you have a shepherd who loves you, who knows you, who who loves you, who knows you, who who loves you, who knows you, who personally identifies with you and he personally identifies with you and he personally identifies with you and he never loses sight of you. never loses sight of you. never loses sight of you. You're not just a face in the crowd. You're not just a face in the crowd. You're not just a face in the crowd. That you are someone he personally loves That you are someone he personally loves That you are someone he personally loves and that he sacrificed and Jesus gave and that he sacrificed and Jesus gave and that he sacrificed and Jesus gave his life for. 2 Chronicles 16:9 his life for. 2 Chronicles 16:9 his life for. 2 Chronicles 16:9 the Old Testament it says that the eyes the Old Testament it says that the eyes the Old Testament it says that the eyes of the Lord range to and fro throughout of the Lord range to and fro throughout of the Lord range to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose the earth to strengthen those whose the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. hearts are fully committed to him. hearts are fully committed to him. Commit your heart to him.

Commit your heart to him. Commit your heart to him. He has a desire to strengthen you to He has a desire to strengthen you to He has a desire to strengthen you to remind you of his presence to walk us remind you of his presence to walk us remind you of his presence to walk us alongside you and and with you. That is alongside you and and with you. That is alongside you and and with you. That is our good shepherd. our good shepherd. our good shepherd. In verse six, he says, "When he finds In verse six, he says, "When he finds In verse six, he says, "When he finds that sheep, he calls his friends and that sheep, he calls his friends and that sheep, he calls his friends and neighbors and they rejoice that he has neighbors and they rejoice that he has neighbors and they rejoice that he has found his lost sheep." found his lost sheep." found his lost sheep." And then I love the way Jesus closes And then I love the way Jesus closes And then I love the way Jesus closes this parable about the sheep and the this parable about the sheep and the this parable about the sheep and the shepherd when he says in verse 7, "I shepherd when he says in verse 7, "I shepherd when he says in verse 7, "I tell you that in the same way, there's tell you that in the same way, there's tell you that in the same way, there's more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous who repents than over 99 righteous who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent. persons who do not need to repent. persons who do not need to repent. Heaven celebrates repentance. Heaven celebrates repentance. Heaven celebrates repentance. All repentance. All repentance. All repentance. So whether that's a lost sinner who's So whether that's a lost sinner who's So whether that's a lost sinner who's never heard the gospel before never heard the gospel before never heard the gospel before and who is tired and worn out and afraid and who is tired and worn out and afraid and who is tired and worn out and afraid at all ends and bends a knee and bows at all ends and bends a knee and bows at all ends and bends a knee and bows their heart, asks for direction like our their heart, asks for direction like our their heart, asks for direction like our young man, man, I need to know you're young man, man, I need to know you're young man, man, I need to know you're present. That guy was going through some present. That guy was going through some present. That guy was going through some hard stuff. He shows up in those hard stuff. He shows up in those hard stuff. He shows up in those moments. And when we and when we respond moments. And when we and when we respond moments. And when we and when we respond in repentance, whether it's a brand new in repentance, whether it's a brand new in repentance, whether it's a brand new believer or whether you've been walking believer or whether you've been walking believer or whether you've been walking with God for decades with God for decades with God for decades and you're struggling and you're in a and you're struggling and you're in a and you're struggling and you're in a season and chapter of life that's dry or season and chapter of life that's dry or season and chapter of life that's dry or that's barren or

that's barren or that's barren or just stubborn just stubborn just stubborn and and unwilling to take a step towards and and unwilling to take a step towards and and unwilling to take a step towards someone that you know someone that you know someone that you know is lost. is lost. is lost. that's broken, that's broken, that's broken, that's steeped in rebellion or sin. that's steeped in rebellion or sin. that's steeped in rebellion or sin. Today, all of heaven rejoices when a Today, all of heaven rejoices when a Today, all of heaven rejoices when a lost person turns back to Jesus in lost person turns back to Jesus in lost person turns back to Jesus in convent conviction. convent conviction. convent conviction. We share. We share in that joy. The We share. We share in that joy. The We share. We share in that joy. The relentless relentless relentless love of God, it seeks us. He finds us. love of God, it seeks us. He finds us. love of God, it seeks us. He finds us. He carries us. and he rejoices He carries us. and he rejoices He carries us. and he rejoices in that victory. When in that victory. When in that victory. When we turn and when we follow in we turn and when we follow in we turn and when we follow in repentance, we share in that same joy repentance, we share in that same joy repentance, we share in that same joy that Jesus expressed here in verse 7. We that Jesus expressed here in verse 7. We that Jesus expressed here in verse 7. We share in that same joy share in that same joy share in that same joy when one lost sinner repents. Whether when one lost sinner repents. Whether when one lost sinner repents. Whether it's a a marriage that's restored, a it's a a marriage that's restored, a it's a a marriage that's restored, a prodigal that returns, prodigal that returns, prodigal that returns, a life that's transformed by God's a life that's transformed by God's a life that's transformed by God's grace. this parable, it answers one grace. this parable, it answers one grace. this parable, it answers one really big question. You go back to really big question. You go back to really big question. You go back to verses 1 and two that were the catalyst verses 1 and two that were the catalyst verses 1 and two that were the catalyst for Jesus telling this parable. Why does for Jesus telling this parable. Why does for Jesus telling this parable. Why does Jesus spend time with sinners?

Jesus spend time with sinners? Jesus spend time with sinners? Why does Jesus spend time with sinners? Why does Jesus spend time with sinners? Why does Jesus spend time with sinners? Because that's what the good shepherd Because that's what the good shepherd Because that's what the good shepherd does. It's what the good shepherd does. does. It's what the good shepherd does. does. It's what the good shepherd does. People are drawn to him because he loves People are drawn to him because he loves People are drawn to him because he loves them powerfully unconditionally. them powerfully unconditionally. them powerfully unconditionally. And someone that you know is lost, And someone that you know is lost, And someone that you know is lost, someone you know is lost, my question someone you know is lost, my question someone you know is lost, my question is, what are you going to do about it? is, what are you going to do about it? is, what are you going to do about it? What are you doing about the condition What are you doing about the condition What are you doing about the condition of that sheep who you know is left the of that sheep who you know is left the of that sheep who you know is left the herd, herd, herd, who you know is far from God, that's who you know is far from God, that's who you know is far from God, that's hurting, steeped in sin or rebellion or hurting, steeped in sin or rebellion or hurting, steeped in sin or rebellion or brokenness, brokenness, brokenness, fill in the blank. fill in the blank. fill in the blank. church family. All of us church family. All of us church family. All of us have someone whom God has placed in our have someone whom God has placed in our have someone whom God has placed in our lives that we know is far from him and lives that we know is far from him and lives that we know is far from him and that needs a touch from the savior. that needs a touch from the savior. that needs a touch from the savior. That's what God does. He leaves the 99 That's what God does. He leaves the 99 That's what God does. He leaves the 99 and he goes for the one. That's the and he goes for the one. That's the and he goes for the one. That's the heart of God our father.

heart of God our father. heart of God our father. And it should be the same heart that And it should be the same heart that And it should be the same heart that beats in us beats in us beats in us as brothers and sisters of Christ, full as brothers and sisters of Christ, full as brothers and sisters of Christ, full of the Holy Spirit. Our heart should be of the Holy Spirit. Our heart should be of the Holy Spirit. Our heart should be passionate passionate passionate for the lost, for the broken, for the for the lost, for the broken, for the for the lost, for the broken, for the rebellious, rebellious, rebellious, for those steeped in sin and rebellion. for those steeped in sin and rebellion. for those steeped in sin and rebellion. This parable is a window into the heart This parable is a window into the heart This parable is a window into the heart of God. of God. of God. And my hope and my prayer is that our And my hope and my prayer is that our And my hope and my prayer is that our hearts would be in similar fashion. Who hearts would be in similar fashion. Who hearts would be in similar fashion. Who is that person? is that person? is that person? Who is that person and what are you Who is that person and what are you Who is that person and what are you going to do about it? There's a verse in going to do about it? There's a verse in going to do about it? There's a verse in Phileiman. Phileiman. Phileiman. Uh it's a small little book, one chapter Uh it's a small little book, one chapter Uh it's a small little book, one chapter toward the latter part of the uh New toward the latter part of the uh New toward the latter part of the uh New Testament. Testament. Testament. Um Paul says it this way in Phileiman 6. Um Paul says it this way in Phileiman 6. Um Paul says it this way in Phileiman 6. I pray that you be active in sharing I pray that you be active in sharing I pray that you be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full your faith so that you will have a full your faith so that you will have a full understanding understanding understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. of every good thing we have in Christ. of every good thing we have in Christ. And the Greek word there for full And the Greek word there for full And the Greek word there for full understanding is epigenosis. It's the understanding is epigenosis. It's the understanding is epigenosis. It's the root word ginosis which is just to know root word ginosis which is just to know root word ginosis which is just to know to have experience. And this fuller to have experience. And this fuller to have experience. And this fuller understanding understanding understanding um it means to have a recognition a um it means to have a recognition a um it means to have a recognition a depth of awareness. There's there's a depth of awareness. There's there's a depth of awareness. There's there's a revelation that happens about who God is revelation that happens about who God is revelation that happens about who God is and how powerful and how substant life and how powerful and how substant life and how powerful and how substant life transforming our relationship with God transforming our relationship with God transforming our relationship with God can be when we just share when we're can be when we just share when we're can be when we just share when we're just active in sharing and telling

just active in sharing and telling just active in sharing and telling people about this good news of the people about this good news of the people about this good news of the gospel that's changed your life. gospel that's changed your life. gospel that's changed your life. And so in essence when we do not when we And so in essence when we do not when we And so in essence when we do not when we choose not to share we miss out. choose not to share we miss out. choose not to share we miss out. We cheat ourselves. We cheat ourselves. We cheat ourselves. We're only hurting ourselves when we We're only hurting ourselves when we We're only hurting ourselves when we don't reach out by faith don't reach out by faith don't reach out by faith and take the sweet name of Jesus that we and take the sweet name of Jesus that we and take the sweet name of Jesus that we just sang about. The heart of worship, just sang about. The heart of worship, just sang about. The heart of worship, Todd. We're coming back to the heart of Todd. We're coming back to the heart of Todd. We're coming back to the heart of worship. And it's all about him. It's worship. And it's all about him. It's worship. And it's all about him. It's all about him. That's what this parable all about him. That's what this parable all about him. That's what this parable is all about. is all about. is all about. Jesus is telling the Pharisees and the Jesus is telling the Pharisees and the Jesus is telling the Pharisees and the scribes and those who are outcasts and scribes and those who are outcasts and scribes and those who are outcasts and broken that the heart of God is a broken that the heart of God is a broken that the heart of God is a reflection of the shepherd's heart who reflection of the shepherd's heart who reflection of the shepherd's heart who left the 99 to go after the one. He left the 99 to go after the one. He left the 99 to go after the one. He didn't care about the 99 any less than didn't care about the 99 any less than didn't care about the 99 any less than he cared about the one. It's the same he cared about the one. It's the same he cared about the one. It's the same heart. It's the same passion.

and for us that are here today, Green and for us that are here today, Green Acres Baptist Church, my hope and my Acres Baptist Church, my hope and my Acres Baptist Church, my hope and my prayer prayer prayer that through this word and through this that through this word and through this that through this word and through this parable parable parable is that you would have that same heart. is that you would have that same heart. is that you would have that same heart. I'll ask it to you this way. Do you have I'll ask it to you this way. Do you have I'll ask it to you this way. Do you have the heart of Jesus this morning? Because the heart of Jesus this morning? Because the heart of Jesus this morning? Because when you do, you'll go after the lost when you do, you'll go after the lost when you do, you'll go after the lost just like he did. Luke 19:10, just like he did. Luke 19:10, just like he did. Luke 19:10, Jesus said that he came with a singular Jesus said that he came with a singular Jesus said that he came with a singular purpose. The son of man came to seek and purpose. The son of man came to seek and purpose. The son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. I pray to save that which was lost. I pray to save that which was lost. I pray three things every day before I even three things every day before I even three things every day before I even push the covers back and let my feet hit push the covers back and let my feet hit push the covers back and let my feet hit the floor. I pray three simple things. the floor. I pray three simple things. the floor. I pray three simple things. Lord, the first thing I say is thank you Lord, the first thing I say is thank you Lord, the first thing I say is thank you for today. The breath of life in my for today. The breath of life in my for today. The breath of life in my lungs, the gift of today. It's a gift. lungs, the gift of today. It's a gift. lungs, the gift of today. It's a gift. He's the one who gave it. I want to He's the one who gave it. I want to He's the one who gave it. I want to start my day with gratitude. The second start my day with gratitude. The second start my day with gratitude. The second thing I pray is, Lord, thank you for thing I pray is, Lord, thank you for thing I pray is, Lord, thank you for Jesus. Again, gratitude, thanksgiving. Jesus. Again, gratitude, thanksgiving. Jesus. Again, gratitude, thanksgiving. Every day is a gift. Jesus, the pursuit Every day is a gift. Jesus, the pursuit Every day is a gift. Jesus, the pursuit of the shepherd. I was that one lost of the shepherd. I was that one lost of the shepherd. I was that one lost sheep running after, doing my own thing.

sheep running after, doing my own thing. sheep running after, doing my own thing. And at 21 years of age, he stepped into And at 21 years of age, he stepped into And at 21 years of age, he stepped into my life and into my darkness. And he my life and into my darkness. And he my life and into my darkness. And he gave me the gift of grace in his son, gave me the gift of grace in his son, gave me the gift of grace in his son, Jesus. And I received it. And so, I Jesus. And I received it. And so, I Jesus. And I received it. And so, I thank him for today. I thank him for thank him for today. I thank him for thank him for today. I thank him for Jesus. And then I pray one final thing. Jesus. And then I pray one final thing. Jesus. And then I pray one final thing. Lord, give me just somebody, one person Lord, give me just somebody, one person Lord, give me just somebody, one person that I can share, that I can talk to, that I can share, that I can talk to, that I can share, that I can talk to, that I can encourage, that I can uplift, that I can encourage, that I can uplift, that I can encourage, that I can uplift, edify some way, somehow. And I can't edify some way, somehow. And I can't edify some way, somehow. And I can't tell you how many times God's answered tell you how many times God's answered tell you how many times God's answered that prayer over the course of my life. that prayer over the course of my life. that prayer over the course of my life. But just last week, I'll tell you in But just last week, I'll tell you in But just last week, I'll tell you in closing just a couple of simple stories closing just a couple of simple stories closing just a couple of simple stories that when we're faithful, church family, that when we're faithful, church family, that when we're faithful, church family, to do that which Jesus modeled for us, to do that which Jesus modeled for us, to do that which Jesus modeled for us, he left us an example. 1 Peter 2 says he left us an example. 1 Peter 2 says he left us an example. 1 Peter 2 says that we should follow in his steps. He that we should follow in his steps. He that we should follow in his steps. He came to seek. He was on a a singular came to seek. He was on a a singular came to seek. He was on a a singular mission to seek and to save that which mission to seek and to save that which mission to seek and to save that which was lost. It should be the thing that was lost. It should be the thing that was lost. It should be the thing that motivates us every day. We should be motivates us every day. We should be motivates us every day. We should be that same shepherd that's going after. that same shepherd that's going after. that same shepherd that's going after. Who's that one person? Church family.

Who's that one person? Church family. Who's that one person? Church family. Think about it. Who's that person God's Think about it. Who's that person God's Think about it. Who's that person God's placed in your life that you need to placed in your life that you need to placed in your life that you need to encourage today that you need to reach encourage today that you need to reach encourage today that you need to reach out to today? I was on vacation last out to today? I was on vacation last out to today? I was on vacation last week with my family. one of my daughters week with my family. one of my daughters week with my family. one of my daughters had to come back early uh from our had to come back early uh from our had to come back early uh from our vacation vacation vacation for a uh something at our church uh for a uh something at our church uh for a uh something at our church uh there in Dallas. And I uh I could have there in Dallas. And I uh I could have there in Dallas. And I uh I could have arranged a ride somehow. We were staying arranged a ride somehow. We were staying arranged a ride somehow. We were staying at this place though. It was hard for at this place though. It was hard for at this place though. It was hard for like Uber and some other places to get like Uber and some other places to get like Uber and some other places to get there. And so I was just praying, God, there. And so I was just praying, God, there. And so I was just praying, God, open up a door uh give me an opportunity open up a door uh give me an opportunity open up a door uh give me an opportunity uh for someone just to make this a uh for someone just to make this a uh for someone just to make this a little simpler, a little easier that little simpler, a little easier that little simpler, a little easier that maybe I can share with. And after uh the maybe I can share with. And after uh the maybe I can share with. And after uh the the first day we got there, we got down the first day we got there, we got down the first day we got there, we got down and uh a guy was taking care of us with and uh a guy was taking care of us with and uh a guy was taking care of us with service named Eric. And uh Eric spoke service named Eric. And uh Eric spoke service named Eric. And uh Eric spoke really good English. We were down in really good English. We were down in really good English. We were down in Mexico. He spoke great English. He had Mexico. He spoke great English. He had Mexico. He spoke great English. He had lived in the Dallas area for a while. So lived in the Dallas area for a while. So lived in the Dallas area for a while. So we had an instant connection. He lived we had an instant connection. He lived we had an instant connection. He lived just up the street from us in Frisco. just up the street from us in Frisco. just up the street from us in Frisco. Had a son there still. And so we're in Had a son there still. And so we're in Had a son there still. And so we're in this back and forth for a couple of this back and forth for a couple of this back and forth for a couple of days. And toward the end of uh one days. And toward the end of uh one days. And toward the end of uh one night, we were having to get my daughter night, we were having to get my daughter night, we were having to get my daughter to the airport the next day. I just to the airport the next day. I just to the airport the next day. I just said, "Eric, what are you doing said, "Eric, what are you doing said, "Eric, what are you doing tomorrow?" and uh just kind of boldly tomorrow?" and uh just kind of boldly tomorrow?" and uh just kind of boldly took our relationship to the next level, took our relationship to the next level, took our relationship to the next level, you know, like uh if you're not busy and you know, like uh if you're not busy and you know, like uh if you're not busy and he didn't he wasn't working, which was he didn't he wasn't working, which was he didn't he wasn't working, which was what I one thing I was praying. And so what I one thing I was praying. And so what I one thing I was praying. And so he was off and I said, "Eric, if you're he was off and I said, "Eric, if you're he was off and I said, "Eric, if you're not doing anything tomorrow uh and I'd not doing anything tomorrow uh and I'd not doing anything tomorrow uh and I'd love to help you make a little extra love to help you make a little extra love to help you make a little extra money, would you mind taking my daughter money, would you mind taking my daughter money, would you mind taking my daughter and I to the airport?" And he jumped and I to the airport?" And he jumped and I to the airport?" And he jumped right on. He was like, "Yeah, right on. He was like, "Yeah, right on. He was like, "Yeah, absolutely. That'd be great."

absolutely. That'd be great." absolutely. That'd be great." My wife wasn't super thrilled about my My wife wasn't super thrilled about my My wife wasn't super thrilled about my plan that I came up with uh with just plan that I came up with uh with just plan that I came up with uh with just our waiter for two days to, you know, our waiter for two days to, you know, our waiter for two days to, you know, take us to the airport in Mexico, 30, 45 take us to the airport in Mexico, 30, 45 take us to the airport in Mexico, 30, 45 minute drive. But I figured I'm there, minute drive. But I figured I'm there, minute drive. But I figured I'm there, you know, I'm not as big and tough and you know, I'm not as big and tough and you know, I'm not as big and tough and strong as some of you ombres here, but I strong as some of you ombres here, but I strong as some of you ombres here, but I I feel like I could I could handle a I feel like I could I could handle a I feel like I could I could handle a little Eric and take care of my little Eric and take care of my little Eric and take care of my 18-year-old daughter. Get in the car, 18-year-old daughter. Get in the car, 18-year-old daughter. Get in the car, bags are in there. We get to the bags are in there. We get to the bags are in there. We get to the airport. My daughter's never traveled airport. My daughter's never traveled airport. My daughter's never traveled before by herself, so it was a little before by herself, so it was a little before by herself, so it was a little crazy. But we got her through the gate. crazy. But we got her through the gate. crazy. But we got her through the gate. And then I get in the car and I start And then I get in the car and I start And then I get in the car and I start praying, "God, okay, I'm here for a praying, "God, okay, I'm here for a praying, "God, okay, I'm here for a reason. reason. reason. Please open a door." Eric, I began to Please open a door." Eric, I began to Please open a door." Eric, I began to ask him about his faith journey. He'd ask him about his faith journey. He'd ask him about his faith journey. He'd grown up Catholic. Asked me, "Have you grown up Catholic. Asked me, "Have you grown up Catholic. Asked me, "Have you ever read the Bible before?" He said, ever read the Bible before?" He said, ever read the Bible before?" He said, "No, I've never had a Bible, never read "No, I've never had a Bible, never read "No, I've never had a Bible, never read it. Uh, have you ever heard of this guy, it. Uh, have you ever heard of this guy, it. Uh, have you ever heard of this guy, Jesus?" "Yeah, I've heard of Jesus, but Jesus?" "Yeah, I've heard of Jesus, but Jesus?" "Yeah, I've heard of Jesus, but had never really spent any time." But he had never really spent any time." But he had never really spent any time." But he did say, he said, "David, I had did say, he said, "David, I had did say, he said, "David, I had connected. I've had a friend my whole connected. I've had a friend my whole connected. I've had a friend my whole life." And it's so crazy. He said that life." And it's so crazy. He said that life." And it's so crazy. He said that we're having this conversation because we're having this conversation because we're having this conversation because three weeks ago, I had called him. We three weeks ago, I had called him. We three weeks ago, I had called him. We were going to go just to have fun this were going to go just to have fun this were going to go just to have fun this do what we've always done our whole do what we've always done our whole do what we've always done our whole life. And he he stopped me in life. And he he stopped me in life. And he he stopped me in mid-sentence and he said, "I'm not doing mid-sentence and he said, "I'm not doing mid-sentence and he said, "I'm not doing that anymore. God has changed my life."

that anymore. God has changed my life." that anymore. God has changed my life." And Eric said, "That's shook me at a And Eric said, "That's shook me at a And Eric said, "That's shook me at a level I didn't think it was really level I didn't think it was really level I didn't think it was really possible. I didn't think it was possible. I didn't think it was possible. I didn't think it was probable. And so I kept calling him for probable. And so I kept calling him for probable. And so I kept calling him for the next two or three days, Eric said. the next two or three days, Eric said. the next two or three days, Eric said. And he never relented. And he didn't end And he never relented. And he didn't end And he never relented. And he didn't end up going down this path. So I'm stuck up going down this path. So I'm stuck up going down this path. So I'm stuck here. And now you're in my car, this here. And now you're in my car, this here. And now you're in my car, this tall, goofy Texan guy. And you're tall, goofy Texan guy. And you're tall, goofy Texan guy. And you're bringing up all this stuff about God and bringing up all this stuff about God and bringing up all this stuff about God and Jesus. And I said, "It's no coincidence, Jesus. And I said, "It's no coincidence, Jesus. And I said, "It's no coincidence, Eric. God knew this day just like he Eric. God knew this day just like he Eric. God knew this day just like he knew your very first day. And I'm here knew your very first day. And I'm here knew your very first day. And I'm here to tell you that there is a God in to tell you that there is a God in to tell you that there is a God in heaven who loves you. His name is Jesus. heaven who loves you. His name is Jesus. heaven who loves you. His name is Jesus. And he sent his only son. Uh this God And he sent his only son. Uh this God And he sent his only son. Uh this God and father creator sent his only son to and father creator sent his only son to and father creator sent his only son to live the life we couldn't live to die live the life we couldn't live to die live the life we couldn't live to die the death we deserve. And that all you the death we deserve. And that all you the death we deserve. And that all you have to do is believe by faith and have to do is believe by faith and have to do is believe by faith and receive him as your Lord. And I I said receive him as your Lord. And I I said receive him as your Lord. And I I said that's the relationship that changed that's the relationship that changed that's the relationship that changed your buddy's life and he can change you your buddy's life and he can change you your buddy's life and he can change you right now in the front seat of this right now in the front seat of this right now in the front seat of this Nissan Sentra. Uh on this July Nissan Sentra. Uh on this July Nissan Sentra. Uh on this July afternoon, we pulled up in front of the afternoon, we pulled up in front of the afternoon, we pulled up in front of the hotel and I said, it's a simple prayer hotel and I said, it's a simple prayer hotel and I said, it's a simple prayer of faith. I I pulled up Romans 10:9 and of faith. I I pulled up Romans 10:9 and of faith. I I pulled up Romans 10:9 and 10 on my phone. He read it. I said, 10 on my phone. He read it. I said, 10 on my phone. He read it. I said, "Does this express the desire of your "Does this express the desire of your "Does this express the desire of your heart?" He said, "Yes, it does." I said, heart?" He said, "Yes, it does." I said, heart?" He said, "Yes, it does." I said, "You can receive this gift right now."

"You can receive this gift right now." "You can receive this gift right now." And so, we held hands and Eric and I And so, we held hands and Eric and I And so, we held hands and Eric and I prayed and he trusted Christ right prayed and he trusted Christ right prayed and he trusted Christ right there. Right there in front of the there. Right there in front of the there. Right there in front of the resort after dropping us off at the resort after dropping us off at the resort after dropping us off at the airport and just an opportunity. I'm airport and just an opportunity. I'm airport and just an opportunity. I'm telling you, church family, this is why telling you, church family, this is why telling you, church family, this is why you're here. This is why this is what you're here. This is why this is what you're here. This is why this is what this parable is all about. It is a this parable is all about. It is a this parable is all about. It is a window into the glimpse of the heart of window into the glimpse of the heart of window into the glimpse of the heart of God. And we have to God. And we have to God. And we have to evangelism outreach. It's not a program evangelism outreach. It's not a program evangelism outreach. It's not a program of the church. It's a reflection of the of the church. It's a reflection of the of the church. It's a reflection of the shepherd's heart. And he's placed you shepherd's heart. And he's placed you shepherd's heart. And he's placed you here, Greenacres Baptist Church to be a here, Greenacres Baptist Church to be a here, Greenacres Baptist Church to be a light in this city to shine bright for light in this city to shine bright for light in this city to shine bright for him and to tell people of this him and to tell people of this him and to tell people of this lifechanging message of the gospel. Do lifechanging message of the gospel. Do lifechanging message of the gospel. Do you have the heart of the shepherd? you have the heart of the shepherd? you have the heart of the shepherd? because when you do, you will run after because when you do, you will run after because when you do, you will run after the lost just like he did. Let's pray the lost just like he did. Let's pray the lost just like he did. Let's pray together. Father God, we love you.

Father God, we love you. We thank you for sending Jesus We thank you for sending Jesus We thank you for sending Jesus to live the life we couldn't live and to to live the life we couldn't live and to to live the life we couldn't live and to die the death that we deserve that we die the death that we deserve that we die the death that we deserve that we might have this free gift of eternal might have this free gift of eternal might have this free gift of eternal life. life. life. And so, heavenly father, I pray that you And so, heavenly father, I pray that you And so, heavenly father, I pray that you would move on the hearts of your people would move on the hearts of your people would move on the hearts of your people and that you would convict us of sin and and that you would convict us of sin and and that you would convict us of sin and brokenness and rebellion. And Father, we brokenness and rebellion. And Father, we brokenness and rebellion. And Father, we would live lives that glorify and that would live lives that glorify and that would live lives that glorify and that honor you. And we would as your children honor you. And we would as your children honor you. And we would as your children take this sweet name of Jesus everywhere take this sweet name of Jesus everywhere take this sweet name of Jesus everywhere we go this day and every day that we would be this day and every day that we would be good sons and daughters that honor you, good sons and daughters that honor you, good sons and daughters that honor you, that glorify you. that glorify you. that glorify you. Even at lunch this afternoon, Lord, just Even at lunch this afternoon, Lord, just Even at lunch this afternoon, Lord, just kindness and generosity kindness and generosity kindness and generosity that people would see something that people would see something that people would see something different in our lives. And we know it's different in our lives. And we know it's different in our lives. And we know it's nothing more. It's nothing less than nothing more. It's nothing less than nothing more. It's nothing less than Jesus our savior. Jesus our savior. Jesus our savior. And father that we would have that same And father that we would have that same And father that we would have that same heartbeat heartbeat heartbeat to do what Jesus did, to do what Jesus did, to do what Jesus did, seek and to save that which was lost.

seek and to save that which was lost. seek and to save that which was lost. Lord, give us a burden. Give us a Lord, give us a burden. Give us a Lord, give us a burden. Give us a brokenness brokenness brokenness for those in our lives that are far from for those in our lives that are far from for those in our lives that are far from you. and help us to respond by faith and you. and help us to respond by faith and you. and help us to respond by faith and be bold in our witness for you today. be bold in our witness for you today. be bold in our witness for you today. That's our hope and that's our prayer. That's our hope and that's our prayer. That's our hope and that's our prayer. We ask it in Jesus name.