“What man among you, who has 100 sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it?” – (Luke 15:4, HCSB)
“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it.” – (Luke 15:4, ERV)
“Wouldn’t every single one of you, if you have 100 sheep and lose one, leave the 99 in their grazing lands and go out searching for the lost sheep until you find it?” – (Luke 15:4, VOICE)
Jesus views us in the same way. Each of His kids is of infinite worth, and He passionately pursues us when we have gone astray or have become lost. His heart is ever for us, to protect us and love us well. Additionally, I am certain it is why He places us in community. When we are invested and engaged with others, we are less likely to become lost or wander off on our own. Together, we have each other to help us remain engaged and accountable to be who He has created us to be. May we ever seek the Shepherd who loves each of us so much that He would relentlessly pursue us if we became lost.
The Lord’s our shepherd,
Watching over us;
In love, He protects,
Our faithful Jesus.
If we go astray,
He’ll ever pursue;
The heart of the lost,
To cleanse and renew.
For in Him is grace,
Forever, He’s good;
He helps us see Him,
Makes love understood.
Each day we draw breath,
He’s present to care;
He loves with His life,
He’s ever aware.
He knows when we’re near,
Or if we are lost;
His heart beats for us,
Made clear at the cross.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so much that You pursue us when we are lost or have gone astray. Thank You that You know and see us individually, and care about every detail of our lives. Forgive us for somehow thinking that You don’t, or for not recognizing how deeply You love us all. Teach us to see every single person we encounter as one whom You would leave all to pursue and bring safely into Your care. Show us how to love everyone as You do, so that those who are hurting, struggling, or wandering aimlessly would be pursued as the “One” with Your love and care. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for pursuing us when we were the “One”, and for placing us in community to keep us from wandering. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
God, Your faithful love is so valuable that people take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. – Psalm 36:7
Revelations In Writing 