The Lost Sheep

 

The phone rings. A telephone solicitor asks the young boy who answers, “Can I speak to your mother?”
“She’s outside,” the boy replies.
“What about your father?”
“He’s outside, too.”
“Well… who is there?”
“The police.”
“The police?! Why?”
“They’re helping my mom and dad find me… I’m hiding in the closet!”

That dear mama nearly fainted — until she found out her little rascal was playing a joyful (and heart-stopping) game of hide-and-seek.

The parents were shaken. The police were kind. And the boy? Just having the time of his life.

And yet, isn’t that a picture of us?

Sometimes we go missing, not realizing we’re lost. We duck behind distractions or hide in our own closets of pride, shame, or rebellion — all while our Father is searching with relentless love.

Jesus told us in Luke 15:6, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!”

In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables — the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son — all with one theme: God never stops seeking the ones who wander.

Maybe you’re praying for a loved one who’s lost. Not physically, but spiritually. Maybe they’ve turned from God — or slowly drifted away without even realizing it.

You’ve cried. You’ve waited. You’ve wondered if they’ll ever come home.

But take heart. Luke 19:10 reminds us: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”

It’s His job. And He’s very, very good at it.

Like those officers who responded to that frantic call, Jesus is always on the move — ready to rescue, restore, and rejoice.

You may not see it yet, but He knows exactly where your loved one is. He’s not done. And neither are you.

So keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep believing in the power of the Good Shepherd to bring them home.

Lord, give us faith to believe that no one is beyond Your reach. Thank You for never giving up on the lost — and for finding us, time and time again. Amen.

Lost sheep, hiding kids, and a Savior who never stops searching. We can rest — He’s on the job!