Seeking wayward sheep

          If we are to have a heart like Jesus we must be cognizant of and caring about wayward sheep.  The parable of the lost sheep told by Jesus in Lk.15:3-7 gives us a glimpse into the mind of our Good Shepherd.  Not content with the safe-keeping of the ninety-nine, He goes on a mission to seek and recover the one who has wandered astray.  The energy and effort spent in seeking the erring one is a reflection of a loving Shepherd willing “to lay down His life for His sheep” (Jn.10:11).  Elizabeth Clephane has captured this often-arduous undertaking with the words of a heart-warming song, “The Ninety And Nine” (song #641 in our current hymnal - - see verses 2-5).

Lord, Thou has here Thy ninety and nine.  Are they not enough for Thee?  But the Shepherd made answer - - this of mine

has wandered away from Me,  And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My Sheep.

But none of the ransomed every knew how deep were the waters crossed, Nor how dark was the night that the Lord passed thru

ere He found the sheep that was lost.  Far out in the desert He heard his cry, ‘Twas sick and helpless and ready to die.

Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way that marks out the mountain’s track?  They were shed for one who had gone astray

 ere the Shepherd could bring him back.  Lord whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?  They’re pierced tonight by many a thorn.

But all thru the mountains, thunder-riven and up from the rock steep, there arose a glad cry to the gates of heaven,

‘Rejoice I have found my sheep’.  And the angels echoed around the throne, ‘rejoice for the Lord brings back His own’.

          Sheep often stray for various reasons.  Sometimes they are not rooted in The Word and become snared by temptations or are “choked with worries and riches and pleasures” (Lk.8:9ff).  Some are “worried and bothered about so many things” (Lk.10:41).  Others suffer from myopia and are fixated on themselves (Lk.12:16).  Some are downcast and discouraged and weary in well-doing (Gal.6:9).  Whatever the reason for their straying, our assignment is to seek them out and to “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal.6:1-2).

To seek the wayward is to engage in a life-changing endeavor (Js.5:19-20) and such needs both our attention and vigor.  But the reward is well worth the time and effort - - resulting in JOY IN HEAVEN (Lk.15:7 & 32)! 

                                                                                                                    Terry Siverd / Cortland Church Of Christ