The Lost Little Lamb

A good shepherd has one hundred sheep, and when even one little lamb wanders away, he will not stop until he finds it. It is a gentle picture of how much God loves you.

High on the green hills lived a kind shepherd with one hundred fluffy sheep. He loved every single one, and he knew each of them by name. In the warm sun he watched over them all day, and the soft sound of their “baas” made him smile.

When evening came, the shepherd began to count his sheep. One, two, three… all the way up he counted, his voice soft and slow. Ninety-eight, ninety-nine… then he stopped. One little lamb was missing! His heart felt worried for the one who was not there.

The shepherd did not wait, not even for a moment. He left the ninety-nine safe and snug together, and he set off to look for his lost little lamb. Through the cool of the evening he hurried, calling out as he went.

He searched over the rolling hills and through the tall, whispering grass. He looked behind the rocks and into the shadows, never once giving up. At last, far away, he heard a tiny, trembling “baa.” He turned, and there was his little lamb!

So gently, so kindly, the shepherd lifted the tired lamb up onto his strong shoulders. He held it close and warm, and carried it all the long way home. The little lamb was safe at last, resting against the one who loved it most.

“Be glad with me!” the shepherd called to everyone. “My lost little lamb is found!” And his whole heart was full of joy. Jesus told this story so we would know how God feels: there is great joy in heaven when someone who is lost turns back to Him. That, dear one, is how much God loves you.

Thank You, God, for loving me like the good shepherd loves his little lamb. Help me remember that You welcome me and lovingly lead me home.