The One Lost Sheep by Augusta W. Heald

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 16, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 16.

The One Lost Sheep

By Augusta W. Heald

SOME have said: “Does it not seem hard that our small planet should be the one lost sheep? Do we not suffer injustice in that Satan, when cast out from heaven, is permitted to reign here on earth, as prince of evil?”

Such thoughts may indeed arise, but we need not harbor them. Is it not rather in mercy that the all-wise Father has limited the operations of the great deceiver to the area of one small world? And is not our earth highly honored in being chosen as the arena where sin is permitted to develop for a time, until its true nature is manifested, and where the glorious plan of redemption is wrought out in the presence of the universe?

Into our humble sphere the divine Son of God came in the likeness of sinful flesh. He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15), and has tasted death for every man. To all who receive Him, and believe in His name, He has given power to become the “sons of God.” He has called us friend and brother, sister and mother, and has offered for us the matchless prayer, “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me.” John 17:24.

Great is the mystery of salvation. The angels desire to look into these things. It is God’s purpose that the ransomed of earth, once “dead in trespasses and sins,” shall tell the story of redeeming love to other worlds on high, “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:7.

None but the children of earth, saved by grace, can ever know the utter depths of wo which the Saviour has shared with us. Nor can the inhabitants of unfallen worlds sense the joys of pardoned sin. The company redeemed from among men sing a new song before the throne, which no others can learn,—the song of redeeming love. “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” Rev. 14:4.

While our once fair earth is yet ravaged by sin, we may not indulge a thought of bitterness; for in the blessed light of revelation, we know that this earth, with its sin and curse, will pass away, and our God will create “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13.

The new earth will be the home of the “saved,” where shall be no sorrow, pain, nor death. Here will be the holy city, the New Jerusalem, lighted with the glory of God; and—

This unfaithful star, so scarred by sin, The object of the awful withering curse, In the grand purpose of Divinity, When evil be as tho it had not been, The capital of all the universe, And center of God’s rainbow throne will be.