July 28, 2018
Family and Friends,
Another Two weeks has passed by here in the mission and we are flying
along as ever before. We are halfway through our July transfer, and things are
always changing and we always have to adjust to the ever moving and changing work here. The restoration of the gospel continues now more than ever before.
We know that the gospel has not been “Restored” but is “Being Restored” (Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland) and to keep up in the process we must always be attentive
of others and ourselves. Self-Sufficiency is a key role in how we care for
ourselves and how we can continue to care for others. In studying on how I can
better care for my fellow brethren, I came across one of my favorite parables
that Jesus Christ taught, that of the Lost Sheep. It goes as follows:
3 ¶ And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth
not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that
which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his
shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together hisfriends and
neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which
was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over
one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just
persons, which need no repentance.
To add to my thought for the day I would like to include a thought given
by President Wirthlin:
“When we hear the parable of the shepherd leaving the ninety and nine to
find the one lost sheep, our attention is usually focused on the lost
sheep. We think about the stray lamb wandering alone in the
wilderness. We imagine the relief and comfort of being found, and the
rejoicing that took place when the sheep was gathered safely back to the
flock. Maybe we think of the attention and care that one sheep is
receiving, and wonder if it might not be worthwhile to occasionally leave the
flock ourselves. Being part of a crowd can often make us feel more alone,
unnoticed, and forsaken than when we’re physically alone.
When we ponder on the situation of the ninety and nine, we realize that something else is evident in this parable: Just as much love and care are given to the sheep who stay within the fold. For one thing, before the shepherd went searching for a lost sheep, he would check to make sure the fold was secure. He would check for predators or other imminent dangers that could threaten the remaining flock. If there were any problems, he wouldn’t leave until the danger had been alleviated. Then, while searching for the one, the shepherd would listen carefully for any signs of danger that might come from the flock. In addition, the shepherd knew the needs of the flock. He knew how long he could be gone before the sheep required food or water. The shepherd also knew that while he was gone, the sheep would keep each other warm and comfort one another. They would not be completely alone.
As we ponder on this parable, we understand that the lost sheep did not receive preferential treatment. The shepherd cared equally for all one hundred sheep. When we’re tempted to think of ourselves as only one among many and therefore unnoticed or forsaken, we can remember the shepherd in the parable, and take comfort in the fact that the Good Shepherd likewise cares for us. He loves us. He knows us, and blesses us with the things we need. That’s why we can forget about ourselves, and concentrate on comforting and encouraging others in the flock.
When we ponder on the situation of the ninety and nine, we realize that something else is evident in this parable: Just as much love and care are given to the sheep who stay within the fold. For one thing, before the shepherd went searching for a lost sheep, he would check to make sure the fold was secure. He would check for predators or other imminent dangers that could threaten the remaining flock. If there were any problems, he wouldn’t leave until the danger had been alleviated. Then, while searching for the one, the shepherd would listen carefully for any signs of danger that might come from the flock. In addition, the shepherd knew the needs of the flock. He knew how long he could be gone before the sheep required food or water. The shepherd also knew that while he was gone, the sheep would keep each other warm and comfort one another. They would not be completely alone.
As we ponder on this parable, we understand that the lost sheep did not receive preferential treatment. The shepherd cared equally for all one hundred sheep. When we’re tempted to think of ourselves as only one among many and therefore unnoticed or forsaken, we can remember the shepherd in the parable, and take comfort in the fact that the Good Shepherd likewise cares for us. He loves us. He knows us, and blesses us with the things we need. That’s why we can forget about ourselves, and concentrate on comforting and encouraging others in the flock.
This work of reclaiming the lost sheep, as Jesus so vividly expressed
it, must receive top priority by every stake, ward, branch, and quorum leader.
All inactive members should be considered candidates for activation regardless
of their response to any previous approach. We must use kindness, patience,
long-suffering, love, faith, and diligence. They must feel our genuine concern
and untiring love. –Joseph B. Wirthlin”
These words penned by Isaac Watts in the 18th century still comfort the
weary soul today. “Who has not wandered from wisdom’s path? Who has not felt
the need for mercy?” Paraphrased from the beloved 23rd Psalm, the hymn
reassures that the Good Shepherd is ever mindful of His sheep: “He maketh me to
lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth
my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.”
That we may think of all others and ourselves in the work of the
restoration of the gospel and the gathering of Israel is my prayer for today
and this week.
I wish a good week to everyone! Keep on keeping on!
-Elder Matthew Arscott
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