For He is my shepherd

Zechariah 13-14; Psalm 147; Luke 15

Luke 15: 1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Many frowned upon the fact that Jesus ate with sinners. Jesus reassures the Pharisees and the teachers. Jesus states that heaven is rejoicing for every single lost person out there. Yes, they may have sinned and they may be lost, but that does not make them less worthy to be rejoiced. It actually makes their salvation more rejoiced. Those that are lost are not forgotten, but are constantly being looked for by our Shepherd.

God rejoicing in the return of one of his lost sheep is what reminds me of the patience and mercy of Him. He never gives up looking for us and showing us that He loves us. It's awesome to see His open arms waiting for me after being lost from His herd.

Amazing God,
You are so great. You are the Shepherd that I do not deserve. You remind me every day of your mercy and your acceptance. You wait for us while we are lost and You rejoice when we return. I thank You for joyfully picking me up on Your shoulders and taking me back to Your kingdom. I love You, Father

Amen.