Jesus is the Shepherd who goes after the lost sheep, and Timothy Brewer's testimony points us to that truth. If you have strayed from the Lord, you need to know that He is calling you back.
Timothy speaks of his own return to God through the parable Jesus told about one sheep that was lost.
The Shepherd Searches for the Lost Sheep
In Luke 15:4-7, Jesus tells of a shepherd who has 100 sheep and loses one of them. The shepherd leaves the 99 in the wilderness and goes after the one that is lost, searching until he finds it.
When the shepherd finds the sheep, he puts it on his shoulders and rejoices. He comes home and calls his friends and neighbors together, saying:
"Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost." (Luke 15:6)
Jesus said there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over 99 just persons who need no repentance. The lost sheep mattered to the shepherd, and the sinner who returns matters to God.
God Speaks to the One Who Has Strayed
Timothy describes himself as a lost sheep. He remembers being drawn to rock-and-roll music and going out to music venues, but he also remembers the conviction he felt there.
That conviction is part of Timothy's own testimony. He knew the Lord was dealing with him, and he understood that he needed to return.
God's call to return requires a response. Repentance means we acknowledge our sin before God, turn away from the old direction, and come back to Him. We don't need a polished speech to pray. We need an honest heart that is willing to turn.
Timothy's testimony gives us a personal picture of turning back to God through repentance. The Lord's conviction calls us to come to Him for forgiveness.
Jesus Brings the Lost Sheep Home
Timothy returns to the shepherd carrying the sheep on his shoulders because that is how he understands what Jesus did for him. He was lost, and the Shepherd brought him back.
Jesus is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Timothy's message to anyone who has strayed is that you belong with the Lord. Jesus is calling you back to Him, away from the life that drew you into the world.
We can hear Timothy's gratitude in his testimony. He gives God the credit for bringing him home and for what God has done in his life. His story points us back to Jesus' mercy for the returning sinner.
The Shepherd Is Calling You Back
The parable of the lost sheep tells us that heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. Timothy's testimony reminds us that the Lord calls those who have strayed to return to Him.
If you have been running, come back to Jesus. The Shepherd who went after the lost sheep is the One who brings His sheep home.
