So he told them this parable:

What man among you...does not leave the ninety-nine...and go after the lost one until he finds it?

When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders...

Luke 15:3-5 CSB

Not only does he go looking, he does not give up, give in, get tired. He keeps looking until he finds the lost one.

The lost one is important.

It might get dark, the shepherd might be a long way from home, it might get dangerous, risky, messy.

But the love of the Good Shepherd does not stop.

The lost one is important.

And then there's the beautiful picture of being scooped up and held close, being carried back to safety, to community.

Being restored.

Can you feel the joy of the Good Shepherd that has found the one who has been lost?

If you are lost, Jesus is that Good Shepherd who seeks the lost. It's personal with him, & he knows when we're missing.

He also calls us to follow him, to follow his example & know who is missing, and be prepared to go into the wilderness to find them.

#heknowswhenwearemissing

#youareofimmeasurableworth

#dearlyloved

#childrenofGod