Jesus called himself a good shepherd. In his day and time, that was almost a contradiction.
Today, in some circles, that might be like calling yourself a good politician. We hear from people every day who think there is no such thing.
Shepherds lived off the land, drifting with the wind. When folks looked for a savior, no one looked for a shepherd. They were nameless and faceless--hard to see and easy to distrust.
Not only did Jesus say he was a good shepherd, but he recommended some crazy business practices. He said the good shepherd counts the sheep at night. If 99 are home safe but one is missing, the good shepherd leaves the 99 who are safe and goes looking for the one that is lost.
At first glance, that makes no sense. Any economist will tell you that in a hostile environment, a 99% return on investment is pretty good. There is no need to risk the safety of the many to try to save the one that is lost.
That's especially true when the one who got lost chose to be lost. Here we are, all safe and sound. We've followed the rules. We've done what we are supposed to do. If someone made bad choices, they should have to live with that, shouldn't they?
Truth is, this sometimes makes me mad. A church always has a faithful core that shows up week after week. They are the ones who keep the light bills paid, the floor cleaned, and the grass trimmed.
Then there are the others: the ones who never darken the door until they need something. They wander off (again) and get in trouble (again). They know the door is open. They know when church services meet. Why should we go out looking for them? Even if we do bring them home, they probably will just wander and get lost again.
It makes no sense to spend time and energy seeking that one who is lost... unless that one is your daughter... or your son. Then it makes all the sense in the world.
Is it worth leaving the many to reach the one?
It is, if you love the one that is lost.
Do you have loved ones that are worth reaching? Let's start praying for them with 100-to-1 faith.
