And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”

                                                                                                                        Luke 15:5-6

I love to preach. I love to write Bible studies. I love to write this devotional. But when someone asks me my favorite parts of being a pastor, I say there are three things. One is serving Communion. No matter how many times I do it, each time it overwhelms me to think I am offering God’s family His meal.

Another is baptism. Whether I’m sprinkling the head of a little child, or immersing an adult, there’s something amazing about feeling the heavens open up and hearing God say to the one being baptized, “This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased.”

But truth be told, there’s nothing like finding lost sheep and bringing them home. I spend most of my time at church meetings and functions and worship services with folks who are already saved. And that’s great. But then I’ll read Jesus’ words in Luke – I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent – and I remember what it’s like to see someone come to the altar on a Sunday morning and put their faith in Christ and walk away changed. Watching eternity be opened up to someone - what an amazing thing to see right before your very eyes.

One reason I think it means so much to me is that I remember that day in my life, and it gives me a chance to remember the grace God afforded an old sinner like me. And when scripture says for the Son of man came to seek and save the lost, it reminds me that as an undershepherd of God, maybe finding lost sheep and bringing them home should be at the top of my “To Do” list as well.

The best news about all of this is that you don’t have to be a pastor to find lost sheep and bring them home. All you have to do is be willing to share the love and grace of God with someone who is lost, and you can proudly bring them home. I promise you, there’s no feeling like it in the world.

Sovereign God, thank you for sharing the work of the Kingdom with us, and for allowing us to see a glimpse of eternity when a lost sheep comes home . In Jesus’ name, AMEN.