No one left behind

The military, especially the elite groups such as the Navy Seals and Army Rangers, has a commitment summed up in the motto: “No man left behind.” 

Their men risk their lives to bring back even a dead comrade. What does that have to do with being a follower of Jesus?

Consider the parable of the lost sheep, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does he not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and goes after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing.”(Luke 15:4-5) 

It appears that Jesus originated the idea: “No one left behind.” 

Remember that Jesus said His mission was to “seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) 

“No man left behind” causes these elite groups and others to be 100 percent commited to that ideal. How commited are you to seeking and saving those who are lost? We all know those who have wandered away from the fold and are unfaithful to God.

Now, look how Jesus ends this story. “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 which was lost!” 

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7) 

Let us be like our Lord and seek the lost sheep!