The Lost One

"Meanwhile tax collectors and sinners were seeking the company of Jesus, all of them eager to hear what he had to say. But the Pharisees and the scribes frowned at this, muttering. "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." So Jesus told them this parable: 'Who among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and seek out the lost one till he finds it? And finding it, will he not joyfully carry it home on his shoulders? Then he will call his friends and neighbors together and say: Celebrate with me for I have found my lost sheep. I tell you, just so, there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one repentent sinner than over ninety-nine upright who do not need to repent.'" - Luke 15:1-7

For years I've read about this one lost lamb and pictured myself as one of the ninety-nine looking on as Jesus went out to look for it. Today, for the first time, I read Jesus' words and thought of myself as that lost lamb being searched out and brought back by my shepherd. I've done things I'm not proud of. I've watched myself say and do things I know I shouldn't, but I do it anyway. I've felt guilt over things I've asked forgiveness for but part of me can never let go. And because of that, I'm not as white as those other sheep. But, wow… how amazing is it to be a sinner, to have made mistake after mistake, and have Jesus tell you that you are His sheep who He has come to look for and bring back home with Him?!

In our world, those who've messed up don't deserve second chances. But Jesus leaves behind the do-gooders to find those who have strayed. When you lie, gossip, blow up at someone, cheat, Jesus doesn't push you away, He leaves everything to look for you. And He doesn't just lead you back, forcing you back angrily to punish you - He says He picks up His sheep and carries it on His shoulders. He knows how sin break us down and damages us, so like a baby in its mother's arms, Jesus brings us back with tenderness. The side effects of sin make us hide and stray from God, but if something doesn't feel right between you and Him because of sin, make it right. You won't be cast aside. Don't let your shame prevent you from being open to receiving forgiveness. No sin is too great for His mercy - lust, envy, greed, etc. - you are that lost lamb He is searching for. Let yourself be found. Let Him carry you on His shoulders and bring you back to the Father.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, when I think of myself as being a horrible sinner, You tell me I am the lamb You came to seek out. When I want to hide from You, You want to carry me around Your shoulders and bring me back home. Jesus, allow me to open my heart and receive Your forgiveness and Your love. In Your Name we pray, amen.