Lost & Found
I remember going to the Lost & Found at school to look for something I had lost. I was hopeful that someone had found it. I have lost things over the years and never found it later. At other times, I’ve lost something for years only to discover it when it falls out of the chair or couch. I try hard to avoid becoming too attached to things. I hate losing valuable things, especially when they are useful. Most recently, I had to purchase a small tool that I’m almost positive that I already own it, but I’ve misplaced it.
Jesus talks about lost sheep and what how the shepherd responds. He had just talked about the greatest in the kingdom being like a little child. This story is being told by an “accountant” of sorts as well – Matthew, the former tax collector. Check this out…
12 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! 14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12-14 NLT)
I think this story shows the Father’s love for His creation – us. He loves with a relentless and even reckless love. The Lord places great value on every “sheep” that belongs to Him. From an accounting standpoint, this doesn’t make sense to leave the 99 to look for the one. The parable implies that the owner/shepherd doesn’t have help. He doesn’t want to lose a single sheep. I have been the lost sheep rescued by the Shepherd and I’m thankful that His love is relentless and even a bit reckless. I’m thankful that He didn’t give up on me even when I had given up on myself.
I am blown away by the expansiveness of God’s love for me. I don’t deserve to be loved like He loves. I have hurt Him too many times to count. I have ignored Him – He still pursues me. I am humbled and astounded by the level of love. His love for me keeps drawing me back when I’ve wandered away. I’ve never known a love quite like this. I have been lost many times, but He has found me every time. I’m so humbled and so thankful for His love.
Reckless Love by Cory Asbury
Pressing On!
Dwayne