In Matthew 18:12-14, we read: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that do not go astray.”
“Grandfather, I can’t find Beau. Can you help me?”
“When did you see him last? He’s only two months old. Probably asleep somewhere. Did you look in his bed in the kitchen?”
“Yessir. I called him and called him. Do you think someone took him? Or maybe he’s hurt or--”
“Don’t panic, Timmy. We’ll find him. Surely a three month old Boykin Spaniel can’t escape.”
“But he’s so small, Grandfather. He ate a good breakfast...”
“I’ll say. If he eats that much every day we’ll call him, Roly Poly.”Grandfather chuckled as they walked into Timmy’s room.
“Why are your clothes on the floor? I thought you put them in the clothes hamper.” Timmy dipped his head.
“I’m sorry. I forgot...but I’ll do it right now.” He lifted his dirty jeans. Curled up, fast asleep, lay a brown ball of fur. “Beau.” The puppy raised his head, blinked, and stretched. Timmy lifted him, held him close.
“Oh, Beau. You’re safe.” Grandfather watched as Timmy plopped down in the pile of clothes, hugging his puppy.
“You show me lessons every day,” Grandfather said. Timmy cocked his head. “Jesus told about one sheep that wandered away. The shepherd left the other ninety-nine to look for his lost sheep and when he found him, he rejoiced. He brought his sheep home on his shoulders.
“Now you know a little of how the Lord feels when one of His lambs is found.” Timmy nodded, hugged Beau close, murmuring to him. Buddy licked him in the face.
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus seeks you. He’ll pick you up in His arms and bring you to safety. He loves you with an everlasting love. He’ll never leave nor forsake you. Won’t you come?