Your One is Waiting

In the parable of the lost sheep Jesus told in Luke 15, the shepherd leaves his 99 other sheep to pursue and rescue the one that is lost. When he finds it, he celebrates.

If you asked the question in many Christian circles, “Who are you in this parable?”, discussion would ensue remembering a time when they were the one but were found and are now part of the 99, or discussing their tendency to wander away only to be retrieved by the shepherd back to the 99.

While there is nothing wrong with either of these interpretations, there is one more character in this story: the shepherd. In Matthew 28:18-20, also known as the Great Commission, Jesus calls on us to be that shepherd who pursues the one on His behalf.

That desire to pursue the “one” is the heart of what it means to be Other People Focused (or, as we often say at TDC, “OPF”). We all have people in our lives who we care about, who are lost, who do not know the love and salvation available through the Good Shepherd.  However, the thought of sharing Jesus with them can seem a little intimidating. It need not be, and it can be as easy as these five steps:

1. Identify – who is the one in your life who you care about, who needs to know the Truth about Jesus, who you need to pursue? If you are not sure, ask God for help in identifying the one.

   
   

2. Intercede – start praying for your one. Ask God to work in their lives in such a way that they would be open to the Gospel. Remember, ultimately it is God who moves them towards Jesus so this step is critical.

   
   

3. Invest – get to know them better. Ask questions and listen, really listen. Listen, not waiting for an opportunity to talk but with a desire to know them better. Look for opportunities to ask questions about their beliefs, their spiritual past, and listen.

   
   

4. Invite – invite them to join you in an activity at or through TDC. This could be a a worship gathering, a Bible study, or a service opportunity. Introduce them to your TDC family!

   
   

5. Introduce – tell them about Jesus. While this is the part that seems intimidating, such conversations often occur as a result of questions your one may ask about your faith. As you listen and learn about their beliefs, it is only natural for their curiosity to grow about what you believe. Be ready to tell them about your journey with Jesus when the questions come. And invite them to join you on that journey with Him.

While it is ultimately Jesus who saves, it may you that God is calling to be the shepherd to your one. Romans 10:14 speaks to this truth really well, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?"  

The eternity of your one hangs in the balance and as Warren Wiersbe, the late theologian and Bible teacher, said, “You are a Christian because someone cared. Now it’s your turn.”

Who is your one more?