“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that 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 his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:4-7)
“but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.” (Matthew 10:7-8)
One of the reasons Jesus healed and delivered people was so they would believe and be saved. His desire is that none should perish and this should be our longing, too. Healings lead to salvation. This was the mandate Jesus gave to the disciples when he sent them out to do on their own the things they had seen and heard Jesus do. As they went out two by two, they were able to reach more and more of those who were lost. When they healed the sick, cast out demons, cleansed the lepers and raised the dead, people believed and were saved. The Kingdom of God increased. The same charge applies for us today. You may be thinking, “I have not encountered any dead people to raise lately.” But those who do not proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior, are spiritually dead. When people get saved, they become born again, dead to sin and alive in Christ. Is that not a resurrection of sorts?
There are two parties involved in evangelism: the one who shares, and the one who responds. Both sides of the equation require supernatural intervention. As we pray for the lives of those who do not yet know Christ, let us also submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit to be trained in how to share our faith. We need God’s strategies to identify with each lost soul. He is the one who will show us how to love them, interact with them, what questions to ask, when to speak and when to just listen. The Holy Spirit will guide us to the one and lead us in loving them so they may encounter him.
The time is now for us to reach out to invest in those who are lost so we can introduce them to the one who saves, heals, and brings freedom. As we intercede for the Worship, Prayer and Healing Gathering, let us band together and ask for the Lord to bring the people that need salvation. May they receive healing that points them straight to Jesus and opens their hearts to him.
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you know who do not yet know Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to pray so their hearts would become open to hearing about Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strategies for sharing Jesus with them in ways that will connect with them personally. Pray as he directs.
Prayer:
Jesus, we know that your desire is that none should perish but all would be saved. We ask that you give us a heart for the lost. Would you open our eyes to see those who desperately need a touch from you. Would you teach us and train us to know how to create space for those who do not know you and have conversations that will direct them to you. Teach us how to love like you do. Show us the divine assignments you have set aside for each one of us in our spheres of influence. Give us conversation strategies, favor, and boldness to share your love and your truths in ways that will lead people to know you, God. We earnestly pray that many come to know you, both at the Worship, Prayer and Healing Gathering, and in the days to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on Salvation
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”(Luke 19:10)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” (Matthew 9:35-38)
Worship Song:
“I Believe” by Phil Wickham
“Lead Me To the Cross” by Hillsong United and Brooke Ligertwood