Lent - Day 9: Losing Sheep

 

Suppose you had a hundred sheep and lost one.

 Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the pasture

and go after the lost one until you found it? 

When found, you can be sure that you would put it

across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home,

call in your friends and neighbors saying, “Celebrate with me! 

 I have found my lost sheep.”

Luke 15:3-6 

This parable had a lot of “punch” with Jesus’ listeners, because Israel at that time was an agrarian society.  His audience instantly identified with the story of a lost sheep.  The animals were a source of meat, clothing, and money—very important to a family’s survival. 

Losing one animal also hits very close to home for many of us. Whether it is a dog, a cat, or a bird – our pets become members of our family and beloved companions  I have owned many dogs and cats over the years, and am well acquainted with the feeling of panic when a pet is lost, and the euphoria when it is found safe and sound. 

In this parable, Jesus was illustrating for His listeners the value that God places on each human life.  We are His children, and He loves us individually and unconditionally.  You are His child, today and forever.

The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell.

It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell.