Claiming the Lost

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. ¹⁷ For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father” (John 10:14-18, ESV). 

Growing up my mother had a cleaning service and I remember being hired for work at the ripe old of age of about 8 years old.  Realistically I probably started earlier, but it was about then that I actually got paid for my labor.  Around the age of 15, I remember cleaning house for an older couple, probably in their early 60’s.  One day we were cleaning and she was sharing how her and her husband were missionaries for years.  Of course not growing up in a Christian household I had no idea what that even meant.  When I asked her, she began to explain how people would go and share the Gospel with others in other countries (paraphrase).

You know those times when someone is talking and you completely become distracted by a thought, therefore every thing they continue to say just fades out.  Well that’s what happened to me, as I began thinking, oh my goodness missionaries are becoming obsolete!  Realize I was un-churched, I had heard of God but didn’t know Him.  I didn’t know Jesus or the Gospel.  I had no idea about the work of the Holy Spirit or how God called people for His service.  All I knew was the secular point of view and knowing the generation of youth I was growing up with and there was little or no interest in sharing the news about Jesus here in America or anywhere for that matter!

Even with all my lack of knowledge there was an amazing heaviness to that thought.  Looking back now, I can see why that thought made such an impact.  Little did I know in that moment the plans God had for me and there would come a day when I would truly understand. 

Jesus’ entire mission was to come and collect the lost sheep and to gather His one flock.  The Great Shepherd would lay down his life for the lost and bring them home.  To continue His work he gave his disciples the great commission, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15, ESV).  His word will continue to go out until He has gathered all that are His and they are ready for His return.

Currently I have been called to shepherd our youth.  As I survey the struggles this generation of youth faces, I am ever so aware of the wolf trying to snatch and scatter them.  And lately I’m feeling like mama bear being robbed of her cubs.  So this morning I am asking you to join me in prayer for our future generation. 

Thank you Jesus, You came to collect all who belong to You.  You laid down Your life for them that they would have life and life abundant, life eternal.  Lord it is obvious to see the battle we face is not of flesh and blood but against the present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil.  There is an enemy at hand who is trying to snatch and scatter your children.  Lord this morning I want to boldly claim your children back from the enemy.  I pray your mercy on them, O God, be merciful to them, may they find refuge in you, in the shadow of your wings may they find refuge until the storms of destruction pass by.  I cry out to You God Most High, to God who fulfills his purposes, would You protect them, keep them secure, and save them (Psalm 57:1-2, paraphrase).

By the blood of Jesus, You did not give them a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control, by the blood of Jesus they can have victory.  (2 Timothy 1:7, paraphrase) Lord I pray against the enemy in their lives, against his lies, his deception, and schemes against them.  In Jesus Name and His authority, I pray against depression, against self-harm, against feelings of unworthiness and insignificance.  I pray Satan be commanded to release his hold on them. Lord may you open their eyes to see the true battle they are facing, would you give them clarity, both spiritually and emotionally.

Although they have wandered and have been scattered, thank you Lord you do not leave them, instead you seek after them and bring them back.  I pray they would hear Your voice, they would hear you calling them home.  May they know and be restored of the joy of salvation in their life.  May You lavish Your love upon them, may they be reminded of Your grace and mercy.  Lord awaken them (body, mind, and spirit) to a saving knowledge of truth, You, Jesus have ransomed Your life so they could be saved!  Lord may they cry out, may Your Holy Spirit within them (the Spirit that bears witness as Your children) cry out, Abba Father! (Romans 8:15-17, paraphrase)

Lord, according to the riches of your glory, may you strengthen them with power through your Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, that they would be rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that they may be filled with all the fullness of God.  Now to You who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)