Lost Sheep

July 7

(Luke 15:1-7 NIV) ““Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. {2} But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." {3} Then Jesus told them this parable: {4} "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? {5} And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders {6} and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.””

(Luke 19:10 NIV) “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

(1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV) “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. {16} But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”

We often forget how much God wants us to be found instead of lost. He was out looking for you when you were lost and didn’t even know it. And if you are still lost today, he is looking for you right now. God is not the lost one -- we are the ones who are lost. In our token and futile search for a higher power today, we can often forget that fact. We are the ones who left the safety of the flock and have gotten ourselves tangled up in the sins of the world. But God sent out the ultimate Shepherd in Jesus. When we get ourselves trapped in those dark canyons and the sun begins to set, he comes for us. He seeks us out, no matter where we are. God loves lost people, but God doesn’t love for people to be lost. God’s love is a seeking love. The Lord is seeking you. He is calling out, “Where are you? I am here for you. Come home with me.” -- Friar Tuck's Word of the Day