THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

July 15, 2020

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

Have you ever noticed how people will often label someone, then that becomes the identity that others associate with them? It may be something that they said or did, that overshadows everything else in their life; but that is the one thing that people think of regarding that particular person. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not so good! But when that person's name comes up, or people speak of them, that is the one thing that is generally comes to mind.

For instance, if someone were to mention the name of the disciple, Thomas, what do you most often think of? "Doubting Thomas"! He wasn't present when Jesus presented Himself to the other disciples after His resurrection. When the others told him about it, Thomas said, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in His side."

Eight days later, Jesus appeared once again to the disciples. He told Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe!" Thomas responded by saying, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:19-29)

That one moment of doubt that Thomas had has caused people for numerous generations to give him the nickname of "Doubting Thomas".

In Matthew chapter 14 we read about a time when the disciples were in a boat and a storm hit. The boat was being tossed around by the waves and wind. Jesus came walking on the water towards them and they were terrified, saying, "It's a ghost!" Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take courage! Don't be afraid."

Peter said to Him, "Master, if it's You, command me to come to You on the water." Jesus answered by telling him to come. Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became terrified and began to sink. He cried out, "Master save me!" Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and grabbed him. And He said to Peter, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Jesus spoke to Peter here, telling him that he had little faith and asked why he had doubted. Jesus spoke to Thomas when He appeared to the disciples the second time and told him, "Stop doubting and believe!" He basically said the same thing to both men, but we don't call Peter, "Doubting Peter", as we do Thomas.

David was a much-loved king and one of our heroes. Many times we think of him as "David the shepherd" or "David the king" or "David the warrior" or "David, the man after God's own heart" or "David the Psalmist". No one refers to him as "David the adulterer" or "David the murderer"; although he was both of those things, as well.

Scripture tells us that Manasseh was the most wicked king that ruled in Judah. So the label "wicked king" is what is automatically thought of when the name Manasseh is mentioned. Yet in 2 Chronicles chapter 33, we read where he prayed a prayer of repentance while held captive in Babylon. When restored back to his throne, he spent his latter years tearing down the false idols and urging the people to worship the one true God. Yet we don't hear him referred to as "Manasseh, the king who repented".

Some people's sins follow them all of their days, regardless of a changed life. Even though they are a new creation in Christ and the old man is dead and buried, there are those who tend to think of them as "the drug addict" or "the prostitute" or "the one who was always in trouble" or "the ex-con" or "the alcoholic", etc. They may even preface their statement by saying, "You know so-and-so, who used to be......."

There are some adults, who were a little on the wild, rebellious, mischievous side in their younger teenage years. Sometimes their parents or relatives, when speaking of them, will say, "He/she was our trouble-maker! They were the one who was always in trouble. We didn't have to worry about their siblings, but that one was something else!" No matter how successful they may be in their adult life, their reputation for being in trouble in their youth has never been forgotten, and is continuously brought up.

On the other hand, there are those who were far from being a saint, yet their faults are overlooked and they are viewed as being the "golden child". No matter what mistakes or transgressions may be made, only their successes are ever given attention.

Labels! Sometimes they can cause hurt and shame. Sometimes they may cause someone to feel as if they've been put on a pedestal, and they live in fear of others being disillusioned of their real self. Sometimes they are given unfairly. Other times they may have been true at one time, but need to be updated. And occasionally, they may the true description of who/what a person really is.

The truth is, people will often believe what is said about themselves; whether it is fully true of not. Often people will believe what they hear about others, and will pick up the perception of what they hear, whether it's the whole truth or not. And sometimes those labels we give to people can stick with them for the rest of their lives.

Let's be careful the labels that we attach to people! Be careful of who we listen to, and that we don't pick up on labeling others from someone else's description, without knowing if it's truly right or not. Don't let past sins and indiscretions attach itself to someone for the rest of their lives. When someone repents and becomes a new creation in Christ, let that old man die and stay buried. Stop digging up their past life and who they were and what they did, but see them as the new man/woman that they are today. Sometimes we need to stop bringing up their past sins and let it go! View them through our spiritual eyes, as redeemed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus!!

When someone messes up, don't think or say, "I knew... or I suspected... or I didn't think...." It's not about being right or judging someone's mess. But it's about forgiveness, praying for and encouraging them, and helping them back up when they fall down. After all, that's what we need from others when we fail.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

A cousin of mine passed away, and we attended a funeral service to honor her last week. There were several labels that could have been attached to her. She didn't lead a perfect life. But several times, they simply called her someone who loved God, and loved life. That's a great label for anyone.

ON THE MENEWE:

Easy Pot Roast

Place beef roast in crockpot. Sprinkle package of Au Jus gravy mix over top. Place stick of butter on top. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours; or until meat is tender. The juice is a good base for a delicious beef roast gravy!!

NOTE: I've never had to add additional water, because the roast generates enough natural juices. But if you're roast is looking exceptionally dry and no natural liquid, you might add a little water after a few hours.

You can also do this same recipe with a pork roast: Add a package of Lipton Onion Soup mix over the top with a stick of butter. It also make delicious natural juices as a good base for delicious gravy.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

When my niece was little, she overheard some adults visiting. One of them mentioned something about people listening to us, and she said "I'm not a person. I'm just a kid!"

She had some labels for herself, but not quite right.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line.... 1 Samuel 17:22

David left his baggage behind so he could fight Goliath. Many are trying to fight today's battles dragging along yesterday's baggage and wonder why the battle is so hard! - Kris Vallotton

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org