Pursuing Lost Sheep

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

Throughout the Old Testament, we see God as our caring, protective shepherd:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. (Psalm 23:1-2)

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)

As God’s sheep, we can take comfort in knowing that our Good Shepherd loves us enough to go after the one lost sheep (see Matthew 18:12-14). He shows His love for us through His vigilance, faithfulness, and commitment to pursue that one wandering sheep; and when He finds the sheep, He joyfully carries him all the way home. We may think that we are the ones who found God—but God was the one who pursued us. And just like God never rests until He finds the lost sheep, we must also diligently pursue the lost sheep around us.

Is there someone in your life who does not know the Good Shepherd? Pray for that person today, and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in sharing the Good News about the God who pursues us. Share your personal story of how God pursued you and never gave up on you—and how still today God does not forsake you, even when you feel abandoned by the world.

Prayer: Good Shepherd, help me to pursue the lost sheep You have put in my life. Guide me in sharing with them about how You pursued me when I was lost. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.