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

Our world is torn by division and it is easy to take sides. What happens when we take side and are immovable, people fall away, and we lose dear friends. When we are careless, we can hurt the ones we love, for they will wander off to safer pastures. Jesus is very clear that our primary work in life is love, forgiveness and reconciliation. Three challenging jobs, and yet when we truly love, forgiving, reconciling and healing come easily. We ache with the heart of God for those who are lost and go out to find them.

Gracious Creator, source of all healing

we are daily called to reconcile the people

you call us to seek out the wandering lost

and by your spirit bring them safely home.

We can be rigid, opinionated and unforgiving

thinking our righteous attitudes are from you

when you remind us daily to seek the lost

bringing them to safety and to their home.

Help us today to be repairers of the breach

give us your heart so that we might forgive

give us your eyes to seek those who are lost

and help us to seek your love in all that we do. Amen.