Digging Deeper – Land of the Lost
3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?
Luke 15:3-4 (NLT)
LAND OF THE LOST
While Jesus is doing his best to teach the crowd where his priorities lie in this parable, we can’t miss the central figure in this story: the lost sheep. There are any number of reasons the sheep could have been lost: injury is the most likely, but in any event the sheep is weak and falls behind.
One rather interesting characteristic of sheep is that they are not only highly dependent creatures, but they are sensitive. In fact, if a sheep is rejected by its mother – or is not accepted by the flock – it is known as a “bummer lamb.” Like human beings who are rejected, sheep grieve if they are not welcomed into community with others. And, unless the shepherd intervenes, the sheep very well may die.
With that in mind, is it any surprise that we see Jesus consistently seeking out those who are considered outcasts? As we wrap up this week, I pray our eyes are opened anew to those around us who are hurting, feeling “less than,” or have simply been left behind. You and I have an opportunity – like Jesus – to let these men and women know they are valued and loved!
Find ways to engage others who might be looking for community. Speak a word of encouragement to someone – co-worker, neighbor, friend. And always remember that Jesus once came searching for you – because the Good Shepherd always accepts his children.
C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.
