Introduction: Do you agree that days of PROSPERITY can lead to days of APOSTASY? Also, would you agree that it is very easy these days to GO ASTRAY? Granted, it may not be intentional—in fact, most of the time, it is not—but nevertheless, it happens.
The Psalmist warns us about GOING ASTRAY and what to do about it.
1. Have you ever GONE ASTRAY? (Psalm 119:176) – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.”
Did you know the Hebrew word for “gone astray” is תָּעָה (taw-aw’)? It means to err or to wander. Furthermore, it has to do with vacillating or reeling. The truth is that we can GO ASTRAY on a SUNNY DAY (times of prosperity) or on a STORMY DAY (times of apostasy). In other words, whether things are going good or bad, we can GO ASTRAY.
Have you GONE ASTRAY?
2. Have you considered that we are the sheep of our Lord’s pasture? (Psalm 119:176) – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.”
The Hebrew word for “sheep” is שֶׂה, which refers to a lamb, sheep, or goat—a member of a flock. The word “lost” means to wander away.
Sheep need a SHEPHERD. Unintentionally, they can nibble on the grass and get further away from the fold without even realizing it. Meanwhile, danger is lurking in the dark, like a wolf or bear ready to devour the lamb or sheep. Just like lost sheep, we too can go astray from the GREAT SHEPHERD.
Watch out! Beware!! Careful!!!
3. Have you asked for the Shepherd to seek (search out) for you? (Psalm 119:176) – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.”
The Hebrew word for “seek” is בָּקַשׁ (bah-KASH or baw-kash’), which means to search, to request, or even to desire. Lastly, it can refer to striving after something.
Thank God for our SHEPHERD, who will leave the ninety-nine and go after the one lost sheep! He will come looking for you!!
Conclusion: Do you need to go home? Will you recommit to returning to the fold? Have you been going astray?
GOOD NEWS: God loves His SHEEP! He loves us so much that He will “seek” us out when we go astray!!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
