The Ninety and Nine

Elizabeth Clephane was raised an orphan. Born in Scotland in 1868, she was frail and often battled illness. Yet, perhaps because of her own weaknesses, she developed a special concern for the needy.

Inspired by this compassion, she found special inspiration from Jesus’ story about the lost sheep and His concern for the Lost. Moved by this compassion, she wrote a poem about reaching the Lost.

She knew it could be easy to focus on the “ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold.” But the fact was that “one was out on the hills away.” Even though most of His sheep were safe, the Shepherd could not rest.

One of His own had “wandered away” and was “sick and helpless and ready to die.” He had to find this sheep, even if it meant going on roads that were “rough and steep.” If He had to look in deserts, cross deep waters, or search at night. Only when the sheep was found could He rest.

While visiting Scotland with Dwight Moody in 1874, Ira Sankey, Moody’s colleague in ministry, saw her poem in a newspaper. When Moody asked Sankey to write a song for their crusade, he used Elizabeth’s words for the first of what would be a series of inspired hymns.

Today, many lost “sheep” need Jesus. Ask God to give you compassion for these souls. Pray that doors would open. Pray for a move of the Spirit that they might be saved.

Trending Now

Sign up today for your Inspiration Today Daily Newsletter

Supercharge your faith and ignite your spirit. Find hope in God’s word. Receive your Inspiration Today newsletter now!

Inspiration Ministries

Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

Each year, more than three million people respond to the Gospel through Inspiration Ministries' global outreach.

The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

As a nonprofit ministry, Inspiration Ministries offers planned giving and legacy giving resources to help supporters extend their Gospel impact through long-term stewardship and estate planning.

Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

View Author Posts

Be A Blessing To Someone In Need of God's Word!

Next Steps To Strengthen Your Walk

Inspiration Today Newsletter

Supercharge your faith and ignite your spirit. Find hope in God’s word. Receive your Inspiration Today newsletter now!

Christian Articles

Find articles to strengthen your walk and grow your faith. We have a wide range of topics and authors for you.

Read For FREE

Submit A Prayer Request

We are here for you. Simply click on the button below to reach us by form, email or phone. Together we will lift our hearts and voices with you in prayer.

I Need Prayer

Partner With Us

Let’s do something amazing for the Kingdom—together.
Join hands with us in faith, love, and action!

Give Online Today