Lost Sheep

‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ Matthew 18:10-20

From time to time we are all lost sheep, thinking we can find our way and boldly setting out, without help, only to find ourselves bleating, crying for help. We hear that God seeks out the lost and the wandering, and that we are cared for by a great shepherd. He tells us, even when folks have refused to listen to the church, over and over, we are to treat them like Gentiles and tax-collectors. Jesus loved Gentiles and tax-collectors, eating with them and making friends with them. Noone is out of the circle of God' love, even when they seem hopeless. 

Gracious Creator, you circle is stretched wide

to include the wanderers and the lost sheep

and your deep love is for all of your creation.

We are onery and stubborn going our own way

often getting lost an crying out like children

and you, O Lord, always come to our rescue.

Help us Lord, to see others with your eyes

help us to love others with your heart

and give us strength to welcome all to you. Amen.