Little Lamb

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 18:12-14
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

I'd find the widest maple tree in the yard and squeeze myself as small as I
could, behind it. The child who was 'it' would call out "Ready or not, here I come" to let us know they were searching for our hiding place. As a kid my neighbors, cousins, and I spent endless hours playing hide-and-go-seek. We especially loved playing from dusk to dark. But in the game of hide-and-go-seek, we didn't want to be caught, or we'd be the 'it' person.

As an adult, I rarely play that old childhood game, unless one of my grandkids talks me into it. Even though I haven’t hidden behind a tree lately, I'm sorry to say there have been times I've played hide-and-go-seek with God. I've buried my head and ignored His wisdom, His call, or His word. Yet, He came after me and sought me out. Why? Because He loves me no matter what. God, who created the universe, called me by name and told me I am His child.

Jesus is often called the Good Shepherd. As a shepherd, He searches for that single sheep that strays away from the flock. He chases that one little lamb who lost his way. He seeks in the shadows, climbs the mountains, tears down the walls to find that one who is lost. Once He finds them, He holds them, loves them and gives hope beyond hope. Jesus said He's happier about finding that one lost sheep than about the ninety-nine who stayed put. Why? Because Jesus wants every child of His to be found, to be saved from the evil in this world. He wants every soul to rest in Him.

In this time of uncertainty and sorrow, seek Jesus' arms. He loves like no other.