“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:10-14 NIV
Father in Heaven,
We all , well most of us will admit we have had times when we have felt weak or vulnerable or both. This is a parable to reassure us that when we do have these times, the good Shepherd, who knows his sheep, sees and come to draw us back to himself and the safety of the flock. Whether we have gone a little way or far . . .
And the flock should not despise someone who is struggling but should welcome them in too. It is easy just to mix with the crowd we are comfortable with. But we need to look out for those struggling.
And we should not be distracted by the picture of angels. It is not the angels who look for the wandering it is the Shepherd Himself, You Lord God. You are a compassionate Shepherd which reassures us, You are a strong rescuer which gives us security, You are a Shepherd who does the finding Yourself so we know You love us individually.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 3rd November 2025
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
Chorus
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
Chorus and Repeat
Lyrics: Ada Habershon (Original words)
Matthew Sherman Merker (Modern Version)