Carried by the Great Shepherd

Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Amazing? The wandering lamb, who had been lost on the dangerous wilderness hillsides, was carried home on the shoulders of the shepherd. It was goodness and mercy which had followed the wooly little creature away from the flock and reported his wanderings to the shepherd. The little lamb didn't return by himself for a decent gps does not the sheep possess. His watcher had to search and seize him even to the chagrin of the flock which stayed safely in the fold.

What caused this lamb to wander? His head was buried in tufts of grass. He moved from one tuft to the next until finally, he found himself separated from the flock. He wasn't listening to the voice of the shepherd, nor did he check to see what others were doing. Hence, he found himself in grave danger of predators and the elements.

Are you making the connection? The Shepherd is the Savior, the flock is the church, the wilderness is the world and YOU are the lamb. Stay close to the Shepherd and don't stray from church. Once you are separated, you are an easy target for predators.