Everyone who strays will be brought back to the fold

Yesterday I wrote about King David's experience with Bathsheba. Our Bible Lesson continues on to expand on this concept that we can be straying or lost sheep. When a sheep strays away from their flock, they become disoriented and distressed. There is a feeling of hopelessness and fear. They call out to be found but do not respond when the shepherd calls to them. They don't know how to return so the Shepherd goes to them. For many, this is when we are calling out to God for help, "please come and find me".

Our Father, the Good Shepherd, seeks and finds those who think they have become separated from Him. Here is that promise in His own words; "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick".

Everyone who believes they have strayed will be brought back into the fold. Because in truth there is no where else we can ever be. We are His precious children and He is always present. Our relationship is never severed. Even if we think it has been by our own actions or choices.

Jesus used a parable to explain this relationship to his listeners. Many of them were shepherds and understood what he meant. He asks them who among them who had the care of 100 sheep, if he lost one, would not leave the 99 and go search for the missing sheep. He would search until he found it, and when he did, he would not punish that sheep, he would carry it upon his shoulders, rejoicing and comforting it. And when they got home he would tell everyone to rejoice with him because he had found that which had been lost.

God loves you like that. All the time. Under every circumstance. Unconditionally. God is more than a loving God, He is Love itself. And you are the object of that Love.