Matthew 18:12-13 – 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, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. (NIV)

Years ago, my aunt, my grandmother — known as Nan — and I were walking across the hospital parking lot after visiting my grandfather, who was recovering from surgery. It was dark and icy.

As we approached our vehicle, I went ahead of Nan to open the front passenger door so that I could reach behind and pull up the lock on the rear door for her. Once the door was unlocked, I turned around to open her door and help her in, but she was no longer there. I asked my aunt if she were over there with her. She responded, "No." Well then, where is she? I thought.

My aunt and I began to call for her, all to no avail, until we heard laughter emanating out of the darkness. It was Nan's laughter, but we still couldn't find her. Suddenly, I realized that the laughter was coming from underneath the car. Nan had slipped on an icy patch beside the car. Holding the door handle to break her fall, she had continued her downward slide to the pavement and on under the vehicle.

Getting on my knees, I grabbed her coat and carefully slid her back out. Always having such a wonderful sense of humour, she continued to laugh. I did not laugh at the time, but I certainly laugh now, whenever I think of that icy episode.

Ice is not the only cause of people slipping, however. Sin can also cause people to slip and wander away spiritually, and when they do, it is no laughing matter. Sin, whether it is subtle or obvious, drags God's sheep away from the flock of believers, and when it does, what are we as God's people supposed to do?

We are supposed to emulate the Good Shepherd in today's Scripture and search for them. We are to love and pray for them without judgement or condemnation. We are to let them know that we are there for them, no matter what. Such love has the power to draw people back into a vibrant walk of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with our Lord and His church, a turnaround that is cause for rejoicing here on earth as well as in heaven.

For whom might God have you searching today?

Prayer: Father God, thank You that You never give up on us when we slip and fall into sin. Help us, as Your children, to do likewise in regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ, that many will be returned to the fold of Your love and forgiveness. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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