At the beginning of my young “lost sheep awareness phase” I sensed something that was not right, and I knew I had to do something but didn’t know what that something meant. My “lost sheep awareness phase” included being spiritually lost, confused, frustrated, ignorant, feeling a void, and helpless/without power and strength.  No wonder the world behaves as it does/worldly people behave as they do.  It was true for me, although having been raised IN the church from the womb, by both parents, and raised in a church and community environment with plenty of spiritual figures who helped reinforce the goodness of family, church, and community.

       The tax collectors, intentional sinners, Pharisees and scribes, demonstrated and lived their motives that were contrary to the spiritual, social, health and safety, relational, and socio-economic needs of the people.  So much so, they did as many do among us…they judge, condemn, divide to conquer, and stand between the broken and the Mender.

       Unbelievers witness miracles everyday, as believers do, and yet are determined to stay the same.  Jesus did what Jesus would always do…demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstrate, and use a parable to teach what would never be forgotten.

       When Jesus came after me, I knew it was Him!!  I felt His hands lift me up then cradle me in His arms.  Jesus carried me to a spiritual place that has been my ‘home’ since. He held the entire human race on His shoulders, yet came for me. 

       I write this devotional, I see my story of divinely orchestrated rescue scroll before me, and I am overwhelmed with emotion, joy, crying out all over again, because of His wondrous unconditional love and commitment.