The Heart of the Shepherd: When One is Worth Everything
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There’s something beautifully irrational about a shepherd who would leave ninety-nine sheep to find just one. It’s not good business. It’s not logical. But it is love.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who, upon realizing one sheep is missing, leaves the rest to pursue it. That kind of pursuit only makes sense through the lens of deep, relentless love. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t count risk first—it counts worth. And Jesus says, “That’s what I’m like.”
But this kind of shepherding wasn’t just a sweet parable—it had teeth. In Amos 3:12, the prophet paints a raw picture:
“As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear…”
Sometimes, that’s all that’s left. Just a shred. Just enough to recognize what once was whole. Yet even then, God says: I’ll take what remains. That’s the kind of Shepherd we have.
What Does That Mean for You and Me?
It means God is not waiting for you to be whole again before He reaches for you. He’s not hoping you return polished. He’s coming for what remains.
Maybe your faith feels chewed up.
Maybe your story feels like it has more loss than life.
Maybe all that’s left is a piece of an ear.
And still—He comes.
This message isn’t just about a Shepherd’s job. It’s about His heart. He is not indifferent to our pain or casual about our wandering. He is personal. He is sacrificial. And He is unrelenting.
Whether you’re feeling strong in your walk or barely hanging on, know this: He sees. He comes. He carries.
So don’t count yourself out. Don’t assume the pieces left of your story aren’t worth recovering. To Him, they are.
You Matter More Than the Math
Leaving ninety-nine doesn’t make sense. But love never did.
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