Jesus tells us a parable about a man who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them (Luke 15:4a, CSB).

Does he leave the ninety-nine in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it (v. 4b)?

I wouldn’t think so, at least not for one. It’s one in a hundred.

But that man does because he cares about one like it’s ninety-nine.

That’s who he is.

I did some research to see how one sheep can get lost.

Most times, it eats some grass and then wanders.

It’s that easy. That quick.

Then comes a predator.

What can it do? Nothing. Literally nothing.

Its best defense is a not-very-impressive “baa” or “bleat.” That’s it.

I feel like that too. I can do nothing and I have no defense.

I hear it chasing me.

A coyote that wants to catch me.

It sounds like the open field around me is full of coyotes.

It’s not.

That is the enemy.

He will shout lies, but I don’t have to listen.

The field is actually full of green grass and a man who is searching for me.

It really is.

That man is Jesus.

He cares about this one … and that one.

He will find it. He does find it.

In fact, he picks it up and, full of joy, says, “Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!” (v. 7).

That one is you.

Jesus, will you find me when I wander. I know that you see me as important, that you care about me, and that you love me. I don’t want to hear the enemy; I want to see you.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Until next week — Aiden

P.S. Hit reply, I read every email.