The Beautiful Story

5 October 2024

The touchingly beautiful story that Jesus Christ told of the shepherd  going in search of the one lost sheep that had strayed from the flock, tenderly illustrates the care of the Great Shepherd – Our Creator God! The story goes that the shepherd did not look over his flock of sheep in a casual and careless way, and seeing the one sheep missing, think to himself, “I have ninety nine sheep left, if the missing sheep comes back on his own, all well and good, and if not, I will not go to any trouble searching for him.

No! On the contrary, the shepherd counts and recounts his sheep, and when he is in no doubt that indeed one of his precious sheep is missing, he leaves the ninety nine remaining sheep safe in the pen, and even though it is a dark and stormy night, and the land is full of hazards and robbers, he ventures out into the darkness to search for his sheep.

Though the search is long and arduous, and the shepherd is enduring cold and weariness, nothing can deter him or cause his resolve to waver in his mission.  And when the missing sheep is finally found, does the shepherd scold the sheep?  Does he beat the sheep for causing him to risk his life searching for it?  Does he berate the sheep, recounting to him the misery, frustration and inconvenience that he has endured in trying to find him?  Does he demand the sheep now follow him for the long journey home?

No! The shepherd is overjoyed and full of gratitude that he has finally found his lost sheep, and he gently picks up the exhausted sheep and tenderly lays it upon his shoulders and with songs of rejoicing he begins the long and perilous journey home.

This parable beautifully illustrates the joy that is experienced in heaven over one sinner that repents; for the Bible says, “joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance.” Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and my sheep know me” John 10:14. “And you, my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, says the Lord God” Ezekiel 34:31. Jesus Christ is not only our great Shepherd, He is also our everlasting Father. No matter how obscure, or exalted we may be, no matter if we are suffering through trouble and affliction, or if we are enjoying good fortune, ease and plenty, we are all God’s sheep under the tender care of the great Shepherd.