Read: Luke 15:1-7
So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it” (Luke 15:3-4, NRSV).
It’s not like I got up in the morning and thought, “I think I’ll get lost today!” One doesn’t plan to get lost—it just happens. One minute you’re grazing happily with the gang, and the next minute you’re all alone on an unfamiliar hillside.
One bite at a time, that’s how it happens. And frankly, it’s embarrassing. I’ll probably never live it down. Oh, the flock was glad enough to see me when the shepherd brought me back. (Not half as glad as I was to see them!) But soon enough the celebration turned to teasing: “Earth to Lambchop! Planning on any side-trips today? Don’t forget your GPS!”
Ugh. Everybody’s a comedian. But I just shrug and laugh it off. A little teasing is a small price to pay for being back with the flock.
But do you know what’s really funny? I mean, not funny “Ha-Ha,” but funny strange? I’m sort of glad it happened. Not that it was fun. Not that I wasn’t scared. Not that I like getting teased. But I can’t help being grateful for certain aspects of the experience. Here’s what I mean.
I’ll never forget what it felt like when I saw the Shepherd coming over the hill. “BAAAAA!” I blurted as I ran toward him. I was never so glad to see anyone in my life. At first I assumed he’d be mad. And frankly, I would have understood. But here’s the best part: he wasn’t mad. He acted like I was the best thing that had ever happened to him! And before I knew it, he scooped me up and slung me over his shoulder. We sang all the way home. And when we got there, he invited all his friends over for a party. “Rejoice with me!” he said. “For I have found my sheep that was lost.”
Everybody came running—my friends, too. It was the best moment of my life.
So, what am I saying? I guess I should be clear that I’m not recommending that you go out and get lost. But if one bite leads to another, and you ever find yourself scared and alone on an unfamiliar hillside—remember my story. The Shepherd won’t hold it against you. He’ll find you, wherever you are. He’ll scoop you up in his arms and carry you all the way home. And he’ll act like you’re the best thing that ever happened to him.
Of course, you may have to put up with a little teasing from the rest of the flock. But they mean well, and it’s worth it. It’s TOTALLY worth it.
Ponder: Have you ever felt lost? What parts of the lost sheep’s story can you relate to?
Pray: I once was lost, but now I’m found—was blind, but now I see. Thank you.