“I’M JUST ONE OF THE NINETY AND NINE”
The thought comes from a song by Michael McLean. But first I want to talk for a
minute about sheep. What did the Savior teach us about sheep?
In introducing his mission among men, Jesus identified himself as the Good
Shepherd and his true disciples as sheep.
Sheep are taught to follow the shepherd, who leads them in safe paths.
In Luke the Savior said: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your father’s good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.” He was telling his people that though they were a little
flock they had no need to fear. Their Father in Heaven would see to it that they
would be taken care of.
In Jesus’ time, the Palestinian shepherd was noted for his protection of his sheep.
Unlike modern sheepherders, the shepherd always walked ahead of his flock. He
led them. The shepherd knew each of the sheep and usually had a name for each.
The sheep knew his voice and trusted him and would not follow a stranger. So
when called, the sheep would come to him.
References to sheep were also used by the Savior to explain his deep concern for
the worth of every soul. In Luke 15:4 we read,” What man of you, having an
hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the
wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
Why is it that the “lost” souls get so much attention in the scriptures? When the
prodigal son came home, his father threw a party. A world-class persecutor on the
road to Damascus got a light and a voice. Even if you’re a sheep that strays from
the fold, the good shepherd will leave the ninety and nine “good” sheep to search
for the one that is lost.
I have been thinking about the ninety and nine Jesus left when he went to seek for
the lost lamb. How could he leave them? How did he dare? Didn’t he worry they
would be scattered or worse yet dead when he got back? I think he didn’t worry
at all. He knew their hearts. They were the ones who followed him and knew his
voice. He knew where they were, and he knew where they would be when he
returned.
Maybe we could say that we are all lost, and these stories remind us that no
matter how far we have strayed, there is always hope and a way back. These
stories are exactly what we all need to hear when we are feeling lost or alone.
But what about people who aren’t lost, but may just feel unnoticed? What about all
the sheep who go about their lives believing and following and serving diligently
every single day? What about those who are wearing out their lives being the kind
of people the good shepherd doesn’t have to worry about? What about them?
What about the ninety and nine?
When Michael McLean asked himself these very questions, he got this musical
answer - -
I am one of the ninety and nine.
I’m not perfect, but basically I’m doing fine.
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray.
I’m just one of the ninety and nine.
And I’m here in the heart of the fold.
I’m not mindless, but I try to do as I’m told.
I’m not tempted to run and become a lost one.
I’m just here in the heart of the fold.
So why is my shepherd coming this way toward me?
He’s holding his arms out and calling my name.
He’s calling my name, but how can this be?
I’m just one of the ninety and nine.
I have stumbled and fallen, but I’ve kept in line.
I’m not one He must seek; I’m not all that unique.
I’m just one of the ninety and nine.
So why is my shepherd treating me like His lost lamb?
He’s searching to find me, and He’s holding me now,
And teaching me who I am.
And why am I feeling like I’m the only one here?
It’s like I’m His favorite
And He takes me aside and He sweetly confides
These remarkable words in my ear. He says:
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“You’re one of the ninety and nine.
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
You are safe in this fold,
And it’s time you were told that
I know where you’ve been,
So I know where you’ll be,
Because all of your life you’ve been following me.
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
Or just one of the ninety and nine:
You are mine. You are mine.”
I am one of the ninety and nine.
Those who know the truth are
not so great as those who love it.
Those who love the truth are
not so great as those who live it.
Those who live it are some of the ninety and nine. |
Our challenge to you is that you
continue to be one of the ninety and nine.
Our prayer is that we will be where he knows we are so when he returns and calls
our name, we will answer and follow.
Con el carino de siempre,
Pte, y Hna. Hall
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