“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
June 5, 2024
If you go to the circus, you might see a trained elephant, lion, tiger, horse, or dog. You’ve never seen trained sheep. Sheep can’t even find their way home. They’ll browse here, nibble there, eat here, and get further and further away until they’re lost. A dog can find his way home. A horse finds his way home. A cow can find her way home. But sheep just stray from home. That is so often the way we live: we get distracted and then with each distraction we stray from God. We need a shepherd.
Sheep are also defenseless. Think about it. A horse can run, a tiger can claw, a wolf can bite, a cat can scratch. What can sheep do? You may say, “Well, wait a minute. I’m strong. I’ve got finances.” No, we’re talking on a spiritual plane. Jesus says, in effect, “The devil’s coyotes are after you. The devil’s vultures are after you. The devil’s mountain lions are after you.” And you’ll not escape. Like sheep, we’re dumb and defenseless without Christ.
Pray and thank God for how He guides and defends you as Your Shepherd.
With space for personal reflections, prayers, and insights, this journal guides you through key Bible passages illuminating the path from Calvary to the empty tomb, inviting you to meditate on the Scriptures, pray, and write as you grow in faith.