This past Sunday a couple in Phoenix, Arizona, reportedly in their early 40s, heard the cries of a puppy. Hoping to help the young dog, they tracked the cries to a storm drain. Determined to help the pooch, they got into the drain and began crawling.
“Determined” is the right word to use for this couple, for the story (carried by several news outlets) said they crawled several miles. Eventually they found they were stuck and unable to free themselves. A passing bicyclist heard their cries for help, and firefighters were called to the scene. After an hour or so of cutting through metal bars, the good Samaritans emerged unharmed. The puppy, however, was never located.
We marvel at the lengths to which this couple went to rescue a vulnerable animal. At the same time, it warms our hearts to know there are good people like this. Nightly news and newspaper headlines showcase evil and cruelty in the world; we sometimes forget there are still many whose hearts are tender.
I know a story that is far more heartwarming than this one. Told by Jesus long ago, it has applications that are vital and personal.
One version of the story is found in Matthew 18:12,13. “If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?” Most people would be content to have 99% of their flock intact; why bother searching for just one? But this shepherd set out on his search which led him “to the mountains”, an area filled with danger.
Another version of the story is in Luke 15:3-7. In this passage, the shepherd searches “until he finds” the lost sheep. “And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” Clearly, this is a tenderhearted man, who cares deeply for the sheep placed under his charge.
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Jesus practiced what He preached. After spending time with Jesus, the despised tax collector Zacchaeus was a changed man, vowing to mend his ways. At this point Jesus commented, “… the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). This soiled sheep had been rescued.
Consider what Jesus has gone through to rescue you (1 John 3:1-3).
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2016, Timothy D. Hall.