Rejoice With Me!

I lived on an Aberdeen Angus farm until I was sixteen. We raised about a hundred cows, six or eight bulls and as many as 50 feeder steers. I watched the cows graze and move around as they ate their fill of green grass. They often had a roaming problem as they moved around looking for the best grass and the best shade. We didn’t raise sheep, but they’re the same way. They roam around while grazing. Often sheep will graze and “nibble their way” away from the herd as they fill their bellies.

Throughout scripture, people are often referred to as sheep. (Psalm 79:13, Isaiah 53:6) Sheep tend to wander and are not capable of taking care of themselves. They need a shepherd to guide them to pasture and protect them.

Jesus told the Pharisees the story of the lost sheep. Luke 15:1-7 tells us the story of the shepherd leaving his other sheep while searching for the one who wandered off. The text tells us that when he found the one who had wandered off, he celebrated. This tells us about the happiness God has for those who turn back to Him. Jesus said, “Rejoice with me — I have found my lost sheep (v. 6).

God has sent Jesus to rescue us and bring us home. Whenever you feel lost, turn to Jesus. Jesus has come and died for our sins, and God rejoices when we turn to Jesus.

Prayer – Father, I often feel lost. Have I wandered off too far? Take my life and direct my heart and show me the way home. Amen.

Luke 15:6 – “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Jennifer Ermler, Sam Carter & Mahyar motebassem, courtesy of Unsplash