I Once Was Lost, but Now Am Found

READ: Ezekiel 34:11-16

I spent seven years as a lost sheep. Separated from the flock of the Lord’s people and from the Good Shepherd himself, I wandered through life alone. I was very self-reliant then. Proud too. I pushed people away, refused help, and tried to make it on my own. I failed miserably.

When my Shepherd found me, I was deeply broken. I had no friends. I had wounded my family through years of rebellion and separation. I was dissatisfied with every worldly treasure. My life felt meaningless, and I had little hope for the future.

“I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,” promises the Lord. (Ezekiel 34:16)

I used to think I was sleek and strong -- I was doomed to destruction. But when I encountered the Good Shepherd, I realized that I was weak and injured and that he wanted to heal me. All he needed was my submission.

The Good Shepherd changed my life. I have friends now. Real friends. Friends that accept me for who I am and genuinely care about me. My relationship with my family is being restored. I am filled with hope and satisfied with the provisions the Good Shepherd makes for me each day.

Sometimes I still wander … drift away on the path of pride or self-reliance or solitude. But the Good Shepherd chases me, catches me, and carries me back home, to the good pasture of life with his people, life in his care. He is true to who he says he is and what he says he will do. As it is written in Proverbs (and quoted in 1 Peter and James), “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Hiding in Plain Sight

The passage we are reading and studying today is a powerful example of love. It is an illustration of just how much our God loves us, every one of us. Think about it, God has accounted for 99 of His 100 sheep.  That's 99%! Not bad per our standards, but it isn’t good enough for God. He wants every one of His flock present and accounted for. The idea that one has gone astray, and might be hurt or in trouble brings Jesus to His feet in search of the one.

Here is a scenario that many of us have experienced: a momentarily lost child. Years ago my daughter called me and share how my grandson was shopping with his parents when he decided to have some fun. He found a cozy spot against a wall where men’s dress pants were on display. He snuggled into a spot where he could hide himself but still see what was going on. 

Well, it wasn’t too long before his mother realized he wasn’t right next to her. She started to call his name and search all around for him.  Before long mom and dad were both in a panic, not able to find him in the store they began searching neighboring businesses.

They eventually found him and the flood of relief that he was okay, overwhelmed them and they hugged him close. Then there was a moment of anger that the situation happened in the first place. It was a teaching moment for certain.  But, that is our human side showing.

Luke 15:7 (HCSB) 
I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance.

When Jesus left the 99 in search of the 1 that was gone, He must have been sick with worry. He knew what danger lurked outside the fold, but an innocent lamb all alone. And when He finally find it, there is no anger, only rejoicing. Just like when we are lost and then found, Heaven has a party to welcome us into the flock.

Luke 15:1-7

My Dad is bigger than your dad!

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.  I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28 NIV)

I remember as a child there were bullies in my neighborhood and especially down the street at the park where we used to play. I was usually afraid to anger them, as I would often find myself the brunt of their taunts.  I tried to stay out of the way, go unnoticed, so there would be no trouble.  We often had those, "my dad is bigger than your dad," moments.  To protect myself from these 10-year old thugs, I would tell them my father was a policeman. It worked for a while. Then it didn't.

I was reminded of this story when Jesus said, "no one can snatch them out of my hand." Isn't it a great feeling to know that there might be bullies in our world, but Jesus has us firmly seated in the palm of His hand?  Jesus will scoop us up and deposit us far out of harm's way. All we need do is call upon Him to help, cry out to him in our pain and our challenge, and He is there.

As an adult I find I still have moments like those from my youth when I am exploring new territory. I pray about what to do in order to get out of a fix I find myself in.  My mind takes me back a long time ago when I only had to run to my house and get into my own yard to be out of danger.  The bullies wouldn't dare follow me there.  I was safe.

I am safe in Jesus' arms too. He is the Good Shepherd and I am often that lost sheep He goes after. I thank God I know His voice.

John 10:22-30