Matthew 18:12 - A Shepherd’s Glance
Step 1: Pray. Select.
As I started to pray this morning, I couldn’t get the words “leaves the ninety-nine” out of my head.
I decided to dive into Matthew 18 and read through the Parable of the Lost Sheep. When I reached Matthew 18:12, the Holy Spirit nudged me to view this verse from a new perspective.
This is where I began my journey today, friends.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
Matthew 18:12 - “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, one goes astray, does he leave ninety-nine to seek one?
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
As I began to meditate on my sentence for today from the Holy Spirit, I realized he was showing me a new perspective on this particular verse.
With my eyes closed, I see a large pasture and rolling hills. The pasture is lush and green. A large flock of sheep frolics and plays, free from danger. A Shepherd watches joyfully, like a proud Father standing amongst them. He is pleased with their carefree demeanor.
I continue to watch the scene from a distance and realize I am the outcast or a sheep in the distance in my vision. I wonder if anyone notices I’m gone.
I ponder this sheep and what it feels like to be left out or not missed. Just then, I move my gaze back to the Shepherd and notice he is looking directly at me. He does not come over or begin to step in my direction, but at this moment, I understand he knows precisely where I am. He allowed me to wander at a safe distance from the flock, but not so far that I was beyond his sight range. I thought I was alone, but the most critical and essential person I needed to watch over me was doing just that.
I feel a warmth rush over me, knowing I am cared for and loved even when I am at a distance. The truth is, he allowed me to wander, knowing it was only a matter of time before I would rejoin the others.
He looked at me and said, “Don’t stay out there too long, or I will have to eventually come get you and pull you close to me and the others before it gets too dark.”
Just this kind gesture of a look, like a blanket of love wrapped around me, showing me how much he cares, makes me mosey back to the flock. I may not be ready to fully engage, but I have a better chance of avoiding danger amongst the group.
A question arises, so I move to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, as I go out into the world today, can you help me identify ways to draw people closer to you so they can feel the protection and love you provide?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
“The feeling I showed you, the warmth from a glance, will draw people to me. Just as you were seen on the outskirts of your vision, a glance of patience, love, and understanding can go farther than words sometimes. Seeing people and being seen is a high honor we all long for in the Kingdom, so we naturally want this on Earth. Even the angels wait on His every word. Today, open your eyes and see people, and allow yourself to be seen by Jesus, loved ones, and friends. Don’t hide who you are. For we must be able to give and receive to feel complete. The Shepherd and the sheep have a wonderful relationship. The Shepherd provides love, protection, and guidance to his sheep. While the sheep provide clothing and warmth for the Shepherd. God gives us his love, guidance, and protection; in return, you can give your love and obedience to do his will. Stay close, but know He always knew where you were if you stray.”
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of your son, Christ Jesus.
I come to you to ask for your help in seeing those in need and in receiving the love and care of others. Thank you for showing me that even if I stray for a moment, you always know where to find me. Thank you for being a gentle Shepherd who will always know where to find me when I wander off. Thank you for always doing what is best for me and your will.
I seal this prayer with the precious blood of Jesus - Amen!
If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear about how God is working in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, know that even if you have wandered off and long to return to your home, church family, or friends, the love of God heals all things, and he is waiting for you to catch his glance.
Be ready to give, but please don’t forget to receive love. Both are equally important.
Most of all, let us open our eyes to see people through the eyes of Jesus with gentleness, kindness, and love.
God bless you today, friends. See you soon!
