Suppose you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure that you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home, call in your friends and neighbors saying, “Celebrate with me!
I have found my lost sheep.”
Luke 15:3-6 [The Message]
This parable had a lot of “punch” with Jesus’ listeners, because Israel at that time was an agrarian society. His listeners instantly identified with the story of a lost sheep. The animals were a source of meat, clothing, and money—very important to a family’s survival. Unless you live on a farm, which most of us don’t, our livelihood is not dependent upon animals, and the concept of having 100 animals to take care of is certainly not an everyday occurrence for me.
Losing one animal, however, hits very close to home for many of us. Whether it is a dog, a cat, a bird, or a gerbil – our pets become members of our family - beloved companions. I was out walking a few months ago when one of my neighbors pulled up in his truck. His wife was in the hospital, and he had accidentally let their dog slip out the front door. I promised to start looking for the animal. I was soon joined by other walkers, other drivers, and a couple of three-wheelers – all searching for this little dog. When it was finally found, there was great rejoicing that animal and owner were reunited.
I have owned many dogs and cats over the years, and am well acquainted with the feeling of panic when a pet is lost, and the euphoria that overwhelms me when it is found safe and sound. In this parable, Jesus was illustrating for His listeners the value that God places on each human life. We are His children, and He loves us individually and unconditionally.
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
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