Luke 15:5-6

New International Version

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’

For Meditation

Having the ninety-nine sheep in the fold is good, but not them only. They must be hundred, or there will be no rest for the Shepherd. The lost one is too dear to His heart to abandon. He knows one is missing because He knows their number. This Shepherd knows each of His sheep by name. He takes the roll call and leads them to the green pastures. He will not be content until He accounts for the missing Sam.

Look at Him, focused on His mission, searching every corner and street for it, and what a joy it is when He finds it. His shoulder is the only safe and comfortable place for it, and there, He carries this poor, scared, and wounded sheep – weather-beaten and dirty – singing and rejoicing. The brook is close by, so the Shepherd washes the sheep. He pours oil into its wounds with tender care. 

The one lost sheep has come home. The only appropriate response in the house is a feast (Luke 15:5-6).

You, my friend, were that lost sheep. Sin had separated you from Christ and excluded you from citizenship in heaven. His covenants of promise did not cover you. You had no hope or God in this world.

But God! In Christ Jesus now, God has brought you who were once far away near through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13). 

Now that you have gotten a peek into the heart of Him who came after you to rescue you from the dominion of darkness and brought you into the kingdom of the Son He loves (Colossians 1:13-14), what is your response? 

How could you not appreciate Christ with all your heart? Why would you keep any part of it from Him? Will He not, with the same passion that sent Him to the cross for your salvation, keep you safe from now till He comes?