The Gospel of Luke 15:5-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” (Luke 15:5-6 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ continues in these passages His parable of the lost sheep that the owner pursues to seek. These reveal that when he found it “he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing”. This imagery illustrates God's tender, proactive, and relieving love in redeeming lost people. Instead of punishing the strayed sheep, the shepherd bears its weight on his shoulder, representing the gentle, restorative action of our Lord Jesus carrying our burdens, weariness, and sin which He, once and for all, nailed it to the cross with Him. This, we remember this season for the enormous price He paid taking our place on the cross.

The shepherd - who is representing our Lord, does not scold or drag the sheep, as many would likely do, but gently picks it up, symbolizing God's grace in executing the rescue of every lost soul. With the shepherd bearing the sheep on his shoulders represent our Lord Jesus's mandate to protect, to do His role as the High Priest, and His advocacy to carry His people’s burdens. And, the shepherd’s joyful celebration with his friends and neighbors highlights the Lord’s delight in rescuing lost souls, bringing all sinners back with the faithful flock in the kingdom of God for eternal celebration.

The lost sheep is brought home by the shepherd's strength and loving care, not on its own ability to return, highlighting that salvation is entirely our Lord’s work. Neither by observance of the law, nor following religious rituals, certainly not earned! It is entirely by grace. It is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.