Little Bo Peep

It seems like yesterday I was a little tike singing along to the Little Bo Peep nursery rhyme. I think its safe to say we all learned this in our lifetime:

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn't know where to find them! 
Leave them alone & they'll come home, 
Wagging their tails behind them.


I think our society has adapted the belief Little Bo Peep had when it comes to lost sheep--those who wander. We all know wanderers. People who take the wrong path in life, go through a rebellious phase, or lose themselves for a season. When someone close to us wanders astray, it can be scary. But as Little Bo Peep teaches, we are to leave them alone--let them have their fun and eventually they will find their way back home. And when they do, they will be overcome with shame and guilt that they look like sad puppy dogs with their tails between their legs. Oh well, its the course of life, right? People wander, people lose themselves and what matters to them, but we say don't worry about them--they'll hopefully make it back alive.

I wonder if those who wander know there is someone who doesn't see them as sad and shameful dogs. The Bible tells a different story of what happens when a sheep wanders.  In Luke 15, Jesus tells this story:

"If a man has 100 sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the 99 others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends saying 'Rejoice with because I have found my lost sheep!' 


In the same way, there is more joy in Heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over 99 others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!" 

This story captivates the renewing love and hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Can you imagine being part of a big group or company and quitting your job or no longer attending club meetings--what happens? Does the head of the company or president of the club push the other 99 members aside to find you? To make sure you are ok and joyfully welcome you back?

Christ does. He is searching out each and every one of his lost children right now--those who don't know him, those who are rebelling against him, and those who are living blinded by sin. He is pursuing and will continue to pursue until you answer the knock at the door of your heart and welcome Him in. He will change your life, love you unconditionally--and unlike the world, welcome you into his arms without condemnation. He's a loving Father, not a harsh disciplinarian. He is waiting to carry you joyfully in his arms & Heaven is waiting to throw the biggest party when they see Jesus' pursuit of the one lost wanderer become victorious! A life with Christ is not bland or strict, it simply requires obedience and repentance from sin. It offers a refreshing escape from this cold & careless world. You may feel like just another lost person trying to find their place in this big world, but in God's eyes, you are an important sheep in his flock. He knows you by name, he knows everything about you, He desires to bless your life and keep you in His watch forever.