Leaving the 99

Taken from http://www.walkthewok.wordpress.com/

You know Jesus' parable about the shepherd leaving 99 sheep to find the 1 lost one? And you know how we usually interpret it to mean that He would leave 99 believers to find either the one who has wandered off or the one who is not yet a part of the fold?

What if it had a different interpretation?

The text says that the shepherd left the 99 in an open field, which was vulnerable to wolves, thieves, etc. What if it means that Jesus, already having the eternal worship of the 99, is willing to lay the lives of the 99 on the line to seek the 1 lost Al Qaeda member or the 1 lost _______? Is Jesus' glory and praise gained from that 1 lost person worth you and me laying our lives down?

My life is disposable in Jesus' hands. If He gains more worship and praise from more lost people becoming saved people, than I am willing to be part of those 99. Whatever is more fruitful for the kingdom. Whatever will result in increased glory and praise to You.

Paul's words in Philippians are becoming clearer to me: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."