A Good Shepherd

Once upon a time, there was a man who owned a lot of sheep. A lot of sheep! He was, of course, a shepherd. He took very good care of his sheep. He was a good shepherd!

One day, he noticed one of his sheep was gone. Now, with so many sheep, you might wonder, how he even might be aware one was missing. Though he did have a great number, he understood that a shepherd should never forget even one. As I said, he was a good shepherd.

He knew sheep were not especially bright and might straggle away until they injure themselves or are even killed by one of the many wild beasts that roam the land. So, he left the many safely in the sheepfold and went searching for the one that was lost.

He realized, of course, the dangers that threatened the lost sheep also threatened him. He also knew the chances of finding it were slim. Yes, he could have stayed home and counted his blessings, but, again, he was a good shepherd.

So, he journeyed far and wide, even into the mountains, until he found the poor, dumb animal alive. Putting the sheep upon his shoulders, he carried it back to the safety of the fold and placed it with the other sheep who had not gone astray. (I'm sure they had something to say to this wandering soul.)

Then the shepherd was happy! Even happier for the lost sheep that was found than for all the safe sheep who never left the sheepfold.

Matthew 18.12,13 ADV