Wednesday, March 18, 2020  

Today’s Hymn
We are yours: in love befriend us;
be the guardian of our way.
Keep your flock: from sin defend us;
seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
hear your children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
hear your children when we pray.

“Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” (v. 2) by Dorothy Ann Thrupp
Hymn 187, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
In Luke 15:3–6, Jesus tells a parable in which he says, “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.”

Jesus goes on to say, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Jesus is watching over us. And to God, each one of us is important. In God’s eyes no one is more important than anyone else. And if even one of us goes astray, God is calling to us and seeking us out—beckoning us to come back, to begin again.

When I was starting out on my own after college, I took great comfort in the fact that I could call my mom or dad at any time to talk about anything. If something good happened to me, they were there to share my joy. If something bad happened, they were always available to listen and offer encouragement. Unconditionally, they let me find my way, and they would come running if I needed them.

And that is God’s love for us too. Jesus is there for us. And if even one of us goes astray, God is seeking us, and when we are found and returned to the flock, there is rejoicing in heaven!

Prayer
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray. Guard us. Defend us. Seek us when we go astray. Amen.

Written by Anthony Hipp, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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