Lost! The Parables of Luke 15نموونە

Jesus' story doesn't seem to make sound economic sense. If I had a hundred sheep and lost one, I wouldn't risk losing ninety-nine for the sake of chasing after that one! Maybe that's why I'm not a shepherd. 

Shepherds care for their flocks. Jesus describes Himself in John 10 as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name. He's not going to let little Dozy the lambkin wander off without bringing her back. 

Sadly, as described in Ezekiel, Israel hadn't always had good shepherds. Some of them were more like hired hands who didn't care for their flocks. Jesus on the other hand, lays His life down for the sheep. 

Does the Good Shepherd save Dozy the lambkin begrudgingly? Does He frown as He scoops her up with His rod and His staff, or leave her as a lost cause to the wolves? Not at all! 

The Shepherd delights to deliver poor little Dozy! Christ is overjoyed to be able to save you and I. Don't let the devil deceive you that Christ is angry in rescuing you! 

Every time someone gets saved from the enemy who kills, steals and destroys; there's a party in heaven. If people delude themselves that they don't need deliverance, they deceive themselves and ultimately face destruction. We need a Saviour, and Jesus is just that. 

'Good Shepherd of our souls, may we cry out to You for deliverance, and may You graciously hear our cry. Thank You Father for sending Your Son to lay His life down for us, in His name, amen.' 

Does it amaze you that Almighty God would compare Himself to a humble shepherd? Does it humble you to think of yourself as a lost sheep?