Luke 15:4-7 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance
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Even though it was many years ago the memory still plays over in my mind like it was yesterday. Not long after being saved my father-in-law invited the family to go with them to a Renaissance Festival where people would dress and act out the events of the 15th century; such as, sword fighting, jousting, and rides for the family. What seemed like was going to be a fun-filled day for the family turned out to be one of the scariest times of my life.
It was right around lunch time and we decided to get something to eat. We headed to the concession stands and noticed a huge crowd, at that point we decided to go to two different concession stands to order food. We ordered the food, returned to the picnic table, and realized my 4 year old daughter, Shyanne, was missing. My heart dropped! I began searching everywhere for the little blonde girl in a pink Lizzie McGuire t-shirt. My wife soon ran over to me and said, "We found her!" I ran to her, dropped to my knees, and held her tight. I never raised my voice to her, never asked where she was, I only rejoiced that she was found.
This makes me think about the reaction of God, when one of his sheep who has gone astray is found and returned to the fold. He doesn't yell at us, or punish us because we lost our way, He simply rejoices that we have been found.
Life application for the Christian:
Don't get lost in the crowd
Never let go of the Father's hand
Pastor Todd McClain
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