Just One Sheep
By Shauna Leis
“Now the tax collectors and ‘sinners’ were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’”
Luke 15:1-7
Shepherds are fiercely loyal to their sheep – every single one of them. They sleep with them and eat with them. They even lay across the doorway of the sheep’s fold to make sure that none get out and nothing else unwanted gets in. Shepherds would give up their lives for these dumb, sweet animals because their livelihood depends on the sheep’s wool selling in the market to make clothing for the people.
But, I believe it is probably more than that, too. Have you ever had a pet that was with you all the time? I had a cat once while growing up named Misty. Now, Misty had a bit of an attitude with everyone else except for me. But, Misty and I loved each other fiercely and did everything together. She slept in my bed on the top of my pillow. She lay in my lap while we were eating. She followed me around the house constantly wanting my affection. Then, after I started college, moved into a different room in the house, and started a co-op program in Tennessee, Misty started marking her territory everywhere in the old room – it stained and it stunk! Apparently, she wanted to let us know that she was not pleased with the changes to her household. I came home from co-op one time to find Misty missing. I searched everywhere for her to no avail. My worst fears had come true – Dad had gotten rid of the cat while I was away – thinking it would be easier that way. Now, do not think ill of my dad as he was only doing what he thought best at the time, and I have forgiven him for it.
But, I can tell you the sorrow that the shepherds must have been feeling from losing just one sheep! These sheep were with them night and day and were more than just a livelihood – they were companions. And, each day, the shepherds would count the sheep to ensure that they were all there. One day, while counting the sheep, the shepherd notices that one of them is missing. He is willing to leave the ninety-nine of them that are still safe and sound to go in search of that lone one that has wandered off.
If you know anything about sheep, you know that they are very prone to wandering off. They put their mouths to the ground and just follow the grass as far as it will take them. Their stomachs overtake all logic as they seek to fill them. The shepherd in Jesus’ story had to find his lost sheep because he would be devastated without it.
Precious, you and I are the one lost sheep Jesus spoke about in the parable! We put our mouths to the ground and just continue grazing as long as we are full and satisfied. We no longer realize that we have gone astray because we are perfectly content with our sweet, crisp grass we are eating along the way. Then, all of the sudden we look up and have no idea where we have gone, how we got there, or even worse, how to get back home.
There is such good news though! Jesus tells us at the end of this story that we do not have to find our way back home on our own. He will come to us. As a matter of fact, in the parable of the Prodigal Son found in the Gospel of Luke, the writer tells us that Jesus runs to us! 2 Peter 3:9 indicates, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Once Jesus is convinced that the ninety-nine are safe, he sets off to find us lone sheep that have gone astray.
And Jesus says there is more rejoicing in heaven over the lone, lost sheep that is found and brought back into the safety of the fold than all of those that stayed behind. Why? Because of the verse in 2 Peter 3:9…when we leave the safety of the fold, Jesus’ heart breaks until we are back safe and sound. He is patient and does not want even one soul to perish to the depths of hell and suffer for all eternity. He wants each and every one of us to spend eternity with Him. Do you hear His voice now? Sit tight, dear one, and He will find you!
Pray with me: Dear Jesus, we know that we are just dumb, lost sheep. How precious are Your words to us so that we may know how much You love us. You are willing to come find us when we go astray – following the ways of the world instead of the ways You have set before us. Keep us in Your fold, Jesus, and give us the strength and wisdom to guard against going astray. Open our eyes to the temptations surrounding us that will attempt to lure us away from You. Guard our hearts above all things so we will stay focused on You. We love You so very much and pray all of this in Your precious name, Jesus Christ! Amen!