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When we hear the word "lost" what do we think about? Many people think about those "poor sinners" who need to be saved. There is something in me that has always resisted this idea; the idea that we are all just shaking our fist at God, an enemy of God's, and we need to be convinced that we are seperated from God. I think more of someone who has no place to live and no place to call home. People who are no longer in the possession, care, or control of someone or something, but they want to be accepted and cared by someone or something.

By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends." Their grumbling triggered this story.
"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue. Luke 15:1-7

For me the lost sheep used to have a home, but it wondered away. It forgot and was no longer accepted and cared for by the shepherd. The sheep is the shepherd's "old friend." You see the pharisees actually had it right. Jesus does treat us like old friends. He created us and we were placed here by the wonderful Creator. Then "all we like sheep go astray." We all get lost and forget that we were once cared for, loved, accepted, and contolled by a loving caring God. Let us help people get back home. People are not our enemies. They are not God's enemies. As a matter of fact, all people were once a part of God's flock and they were part of our family. Let's welcome them home.

Namaste'