Hello Everyone. Given how the past few columns have talked about being disciples of Jesus and shepherds of God’s flock, are you wondering how many of God’s flock we might be asked to shepherd?
Like the parable of the Lost Sheep found in Luke 15:3-7, let’s care for the 99 who are safely in the fold and look for the one who is lost. I checked eight translations and together they used the phrases “go after that which is lost”; “look for the lost sheep”; and “search for the lost one”. The point is they all refer to someone who is lost. Some of us were lost once. We know how that feels. Can we name the person God used to “find” us? Is there someone God is prompting us to “go after” or “search for”?
I often think about the effort that Desmond Doss made to live his faith. When he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, he refused to carry a gun. He became an Army Medic to save lives.
During the Battle of Okinawa – an intense, 11-day battle that ended May 6, 1945 – American soldiers had to use cargo nets and ladders to reach the top of Maeda Escarpment (referred to as Hacksaw Ridge) because it was between 30 and 60 feet straight up, or straight down. At the top, Japanese soldiers were waiting to kill them.
Desmond Doss, a disciple of Jesus and a shepherd of God’s flock, did everything he could to bring the wounded men off that Ridge so they could receive medical treatment. Every time he would save one, he would pray, “Lord, please help me get one more.” God helped him get an estimated 75 wounded soldiers to safety. He continued to rescue men after he was wounded. Perhaps you’ll discover this true story on the desmonddoss.com website, read the book, or watch the movie.
With a few added words, can Desmond’s prayer become our prayer too? Can we pray, “Lord, please help me get one more disciple for You?” It’s just a thought. Amen.