Key Scripture: Matthew 18:12-14

“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 and go to search for the one that is lost?”

You may be familiar with the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18. It is a beautiful reminder that our God is so relentless in pursuit of us when we wander off that He is willing to leave the 99 secure sheep to chase after the lost 1.

The parable goes on to share that, when he (the man in the parable) finds the lost sheep, he celebrates and rejoices over it more than the 99 who had never wandered off.

This is the way our Heavenly Father feels about us. He is relentless in His pursuit and overwhelmed in His joy when we are restored to relationship with Him.

I want to draw your attention to the word ‘search’ in the verse above.

This word doesn’t paint the picture of a man who looks around His immediate surrounding area, finds nothing and give up. To search means to do a thorough look, to diligently seek and to leave no stone unturned until you find the thing that is missing.

I emphasise this point because God does not give a cursory glance in your direction when you have wandered away from Him. He fights to restore your heart back to His.

Now, He is God so He doesn’t need to move an inch when in pursuit of you. He can see you even if you wander to the farthest ends of the earth. But His heart does not rest until you are at home again. And when you are, boy does He rejoice!

There is a reson why Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. It is because He is just htat. He is good and kind and loving and He looks after His flock – you and I.

God’s love never stops seeking to restore you, no matter how far you’ve wandered.

Just turn around and you will find Him standing there, ready to receive you home.

Prayer:

Father God,

Thank you for your unfailing love. I pray that you will open my heart to receive the grace that You offer me as you lead me back home to You.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.