Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
I’m back to wrestling with this section of scripture again, particularly verses 12-14. I see parallels between this scripture and the parable of the Prodigal Son. In both, I see myself as the one doing the right thing. In both, I’m a little indignant about all that was done for the one who didn’t.
Matthew 18:12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?
In truth, while I often do what’s expected of me, I am also prone to wandering off, taking my share and striking out on my own. I’ve talked (ad nauseam, it seems) about my proclivity to lay my worries at Jesus’s feet and snatch them right back up again. This seems like a similar issue.
Matthew 18:13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
Jesus, Thank You for helping me see that I am the one who wanders, not the 99 who stay. I am the prodigal, striking out on my own, doing my will, not the one who stays with the Father. Forgive me–for my arrogance that that was not me, for my judgment as I thought I was doing the work. This is the work, Lord. Examining myself and seeing where I need to surrender to You. Thank You. Help me. Amen.
Matthew 18:14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Have a blessed day.