Speicher and the Lost Sheep

Today the news announced that the remains of Lt. Cdr. Scott Speicher had been positively identified. His plane went down at the beginning of the Gulf War in 1991. After 18 years, this is incredible news. It underscores the military's commitment to search for its comrades, both living and fallen. After hearing the story this morning on the news, I was glad that his family finally has some closure.

I was also reminded of the story Jesus told of the lost sheep in Luke 15:

Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

I thank God that he searches for people until He finds them. I would give up, but He never does. I would become discouraged, but God, out of His matchless love, stays on the hunt! And when He finds the lost sheep, all the neighbors and frends are called to rejoice with Him. I confess that I've given up on people before, but my prayer today is that I will be able to see with God's eyes just how valuable people are. I pray that God gives me the ability to encourage people in their walk with the Lord, and invite others to join in on the journey of faith that leads to Christ, the Good Shepherd who never gives up on us!