One Lost Sheep

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing." Luke 15:4-5

We were ending our week long vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The first my whole family had ever taken together before. Pop and Gran had devised this plan and arranged three condos side by side that housed us and our spouses and children. We had a surprisingly pleasant week, enjoying all the togetherness one could handle.

The morning we were set to head back home was filled with a flurry of packing bags and suitcases and loading them up to be carried down to our individual cars. We were working fast at this endeavor trying to beat the Tennessee morning heat. All of us were on board grabbing bags and pushing the rolling carts, even the older kids were pitching in and walking fast.

After many rounds of transporting luggage someone yelled out that Shawn-Patric (the youngest in our crew; a toddler) was missing. At this moment we were scattered from room to room and across the complex into the parking lot. Wherever we found ourselves we froze looking around to make sure he didn't wander out behind one of us. We immediately aborted our mission and went into 'missing child' mode.

I remember the scene clearly. I, along with the others walked in and through each parked car calling his name. One of us went directly to the parking office to report a missing child while those that were still at the rooms scoured each and every nook and cranny. The older kids running the hallways, calling his name. We soon had everyone in the complex searching for this lost child. With each passing minute I became more and more frightened for him (I know Sonya's fear was that much more heightened).

After what felt like hours (but in reality was ten minutes) Sonya comes running out of the building onto the pavement with Shawn-Patric perched high on her hip proclaiming, "Praise God, he has been found!" After a tone deafening silence we registered what she had said and came running to her praising Jesus for his safe return.

"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'" (Luke 15:6)

Aren't you glad that Jesus searched high and low for you as a sinner to be saved. He looks the world over and calls to you to come to Him. He desires to give you life everlasting and a joy so fulfilling. He would rather rejoice over one lost soul that is saved than to rejoice with ninety-nine people who need no repentance. He won't give up until He fulfills His Father's plan. He came to save the world.

"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:7)

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior let today be the day. Please, do not tarry for He is coming again, soon.

I love you & He loves you more!

P.S. Shawn-Patric's mama was waiting on the elevator doors to open so that she could come down and join the crowd searching the parking lot, when the doors opened, there he stood. His words to her were, "Wee!" (he was getting the most out of his last hours on vacation; having no idea he was lost.)

Lord, Thank You for saving me as a six year old little girl. I pray for those who have not yet called on You to be their Lord and Savior. May You stir their hearts today and may their lives be changed forever more. I rejoice in You for those lost sheep that find their way. In Jesus' name. Amen.