Funeral Streblow

Streblow Funeral

December 28, 2003

Matthew 18: 12-14

“Every Sheep counts”

Parable of the Lost Sheep

Introduction:  During our Lord’s ministry on earth, He often told stories to help the people understand the kingdom of God.  Many of these stories underline God’s love towards the people that He has created, and how important they are to Him.  To this end Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus said, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.  And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."  So he told them this parable: "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.”

            The shepherd that cares anything for his sheep and values each one of them will go out into the countryside, crash through the thickets and thorns and seek his stray sheep until he finds it, so that he might save it from danger and death.  And after he has found his lost sheep he is glad that he has rescued it.  His joy is so great that he shares it with his friends.

            Through this story, Jesus teaches us a wonderful fact about Himself.  He is the Good Shepherd who values every human being and seeks to save him who is lost.  Jesus said so, “I am the Good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known by them.”  For Christians, we find great comfort in our Shepherd Jesus, who seeks the lone, lost sheep and brings it home.

            All of us know what it is like to be the lost sheep.  All of us have known our own separation from God because of our sin.  But our sin does not separate God from us.  Because of His great love He continues to come after us, to be with us, every day of our lives.  His faithfulness is not dependant on our own faithfulness.  This is true for us and it is true of Eldor Streblow.

            As we all know Eldor stopped attending church many years ago.  He had his reasons.  Most of us would agree that this wasn’t the best decision that he ever made.  Outside of the church he lived his life, working hard, being a good husband being a good father and providing for his family.  But these things have nothing to do with eternal salvation.  Our salvation, and Eldor’s salvation totally depends on God, on His finding us and saving us.  Eldor was baptized in the August of 1934.  At his baptism God put His name on Eldor, Father Son and Holy Spirit.  When he was baptized God branded Eldor as one of His own sheep.  From that day on God pledged to be with Eldor every day of his life and to be with him everywhere he went.  At his baptism God promised to go through the thickets and thorns of life to find and save His lost sheep.  And He did.

            The Good shepherd that came to save Eldor was Jesus Christ.  He came to save His lost sheep first by being born of the Virgin Mary, as we have celebrated this Christmas.  He went through the thickets of live and then endured its thorns as a crown placed on His head when He was crucified, dead and buried.  Our Good shepherd did all these things because of His great love and to save that which was lost.  He did this for Eldor and He did this for us.

            Our Heavenly Father sent His Son into the world, to become a human being, for the salvation of all people.  God continues to use people to share this message.  This is how the lost are still found today.  God found Eldor through His loving and faithful wife.  At the right time, God prompted her to talk to Eldor about His relationship to Church.  This pastor was invited to talk to Eldor and to share the gospel.  It was evident that Eldor believed in Jesus Christ as His Savior from sin, and that He trusted in Him alone for His salvation.  He confessed his sins and they were forgiven.  He who was lost was found and restored again.

            Even though we mourn the death of Eldor, we can still know joy.  Jesus said about His sheep, “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.”  Our joy is found in a Savior that rejoices in His lost sheep, Eldor.  Our joy is found knowing that our Savior carried Eldor upon His shoulders, especially in the last days of his life on earth.  And our joy is found in the hosts of heaven that rejoice in Eldor’s salvation.

            Now, Eldor is in heaven and he has joined those people that have gone before him in faith.  He waits for the day of his resurrection when all of us, believing in Jesus, will be joined together again, for eternity.  Oh what a great day that will be.

            In the mean time, our good shepherd will be with you, as He was for Eldor.  Trust in Him.  Find comfort and rest knowing that you are safely in His arms.  Amen