A favourite game we played as children was hide-and-seek with Copper, our golden retriever. We would take turns holding Copper while the rest of us hid in the deep woods. Once released, a determined Copper would relentlessly search until he found everyone. He would gently take each of us by the sleeve or cuff and bring us safely home – every time!

  

This game helps me relate to the parable of the lost sheep, one of Jesus’ most compelling parables. It speaks volumes about his passion for his disciples and reveals the extravagant love of God.

Knowing Jesus would go after just one of his lost sheep – even me – fills my heart with assurance and joy. My own journey with Jesus has been filled with times of getting lost. Sometimes it’s because of failure, pain, impatience or seeking the pleasures of the world. But in such times of wandering, I have learned that we need not hide from Jesus   in fear or regret, because our Good Shepherd is the one who will never let us go. When we cry out to him, Jesus will find us and carry us back home!

Prayer: O God, thank you for never giving up on us. In the name of our Good Shepherd. Amen