Lost sheep. The burden on the shepherd was to restore the sheep, or at least bring back it’s remains if it had been attacked by a wild animal. The shepherd does this, proving himself diligent and brave, and protecting his reputation as honest. The shepherd put his own life on the line to restore the sheep. That is a picture for Jesus, going to the cross and laying down his life, so that all of us ‘righteous’ or ‘sinners’, can be forgiven and be part of God’s family. Jesus was also happy to compare himself to a village woman, who diligently searches until she finds her precious lost coin.
What are your stories of losing something or someone? Take a moment to reflect. Maybe there was a significant death or loss for you. We all have our experiences of lost innocence, lost opportunities. Are there lost joys in your life, or lost friendships or family members that are worth searching out again? Maybe there are lost parts of ourselves that we need to reconnect to, or allow Jesus to hold and heal so that we can live with ourselves more happily.
We have a God who does everything to reach to and find those who are lost to him. Trust that.
