The Lost Sheep


May 28, 2006

  

     The first time I saw Him, He was sitting on a rock beside the road, with His white linen robes draped around his knees covering His dusty sandals.

     I could tell He was looking for someone, because His eyes were anxiously searching the milling crowd.  I knew, also, by the look on His face it was imperative He find this person: Like He had something very important to tell them.

 

     Numerous people stopped and knelt at His feet, or touched His shoulder as they walked by.  He caressed their faces  with a gentle hand or encouraged them with a warmhearted smile. 

     I couldn't help noticing, also, that even though He gave every person His individual attention, He never took His eyes off the ones passing by... searching ... ever searching.

     Looking closer, I wondered if this was the Jesus I'd heard so much of throughout my busy lifetime.  Those who told of Him, said once you let Him into your life, everything was different

 from that moment on.  But...I’d been too busy to take the time to know Him.  Busy doing what? I mused.          

     I stood in the shadows and watched as He talked and laughed with the people.  Still, his attention was never diverted from the busy road.  

     Before I knew it, I was caught up in the mystery of it all and my eyes, too, began searching the

crowd... curious as to what kind of person this Jesus would be waiting for.

     I actually began envying this individual for whom He searched; Just think how loved they were. 

     Speculating, I imagined a child ... or a long lost brother perhaps.

     Hours passed, and even though the crowd began to disperse - this gentle man remained unmoved.

     Evidently, His friend had forgotten they were to meet.  I don't know why ... but for some reason this saddened me.

     Then, realizing how much of my day had been spent, watching a stranger,  I stepped out of the shadows and reluctantly turned to leave.  I did have more important things to do than stand and watch a man I didn't even know.

     Suddenly I heard a joyous shout!  Knowing in my heart He’d found the one for whom He'd been searching, I turned ... hoping to catch a glimpse of this all-important person.

     Seeing a smile of recognition spread across His suntanned face, He began walking in my direction.  He walked slowly at first... then more quickly.  Closer and closer He came.  Then our eyes met and I knew at last He'd found the one for whom he'd been searching.

     It was me ... and as the gap closed between us, I knew that whatever this busy world was calling me to do, could wait.  I’d just met Jesus - the Christ - and my life would never be the same again.   

 

 He searches for all of us and waits until we notice Him sitting by the side of the road.  I pray each and every one of you has realized how important you are to Jesus.  How He wants to be a part of your life today, and always.

 

 

                                                   



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