There’s something profound about the heart of God. It’s a love so intense and personal that it moves Him to pursue every single one of us individually. This imagery is beautifully portrayed in the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:11-14, where Jesus says:
"For the Son of Man has come to save what was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
Jesus tells this parable to illustrate the heart and the Love of God. It’s a story about a shepherd with 100 sheep. When one sheep goes astray, what does the shepherd do? Does he write it off as a casualty? Does he say, "Well, I still have 99"? No! He leaves the 99 and goes after the one lost sheep. This is the love of God—relentless and unfailing.
Jesus asks us, “What do you think?” As if to say, Let this sink in. The shepherd rejoices more over finding that one lost sheep than over the 99 who stayed. And this is a reflection of God’s will—that not a single one of us should perish, but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God’s love is both deeply personal and universal. He is willing to leave the multitude to chase after you.
The Heart of a Loving Father
This story of the lost sheep reminds us that God’s love doesn’t give up on us. He demonstrated this love in the most radical way possible: by sending His only Son to die for our sins. John 3:16 reminds us that "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." His love wasn’t just in words—it was in action.
God’s desire is for everyone to be reunited with Him. Just like the shepherd was willing to face the dangers of the mountains to find his lost sheep, Jesus was willing to face the torment of the cross for you and me. This is love—sacrificial, intentional, and unrelenting.
And when He finds us, He rejoices! Think about that. You are not just another face in the crowd to God. You are His child, and He celebrates when you return to Him.
“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:7
Free from the Judgment of Sin and Death
Not only does God seek us out, but He also provides the way for us to be reunited with Him through Jesus Christ. His love frees us from the judgment of sin and death. Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We were once lost, dead in our sins, but through His sacrifice, we are made alive and set free!
It’s important to remember that this freedom is not something we can earn. It’s a gift—a gift of grace that flows from God’s great love for us. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the door for us to experience true freedom in Him. We no longer have to live in fear of judgment or condemnation because in Christ, we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
How often do we feel unworthy of God’s love because of our past mistakes? But the truth is, Jesus already paid the price for your sins. He carried the judgment that should have been ours so that we could walk in freedom and new life. Hallelujah! That’s a reason to celebrate, isn’t it?
God’s Will is That No One Should Perish
The parable of the lost sheep shows us that God’s will is for every soul to be saved. Just like the shepherd, He doesn’t want anyone left behind. No matter how far someone has wandered, God’s heart is to bring them back. He isn’t passive about it either—He actively seeks.
Ezekiel 34:11-12 says, "For thus says the Lord God: ‘Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered.’” What a picture of God’s relentless love! He doesn’t wait for us to figure it out on our own; He comes after us.
This means there’s hope for every single person. It’s easy to think that we’re too far gone or that others are beyond God’s reach. But this story assures us that no one is ever too far from His grace. If God left the 99 to seek after you, He will do the same for your loved ones, your friends, and anyone else who seems lost.
Responding to God’s Love
If you’re feeling lost today, remember this: God is reaching out for you, which is why you are reading this today. He’s searching the mountains and the valleys of your life, not to condemn you but to rescue you and bring you back into His love. If you’ve already been found, then rejoice! You are a testimony of the lengths God will go to to save someone.
And if you know someone who is far from God, take heart. God hasn’t forgotten them. He’s the Shepherd who leaves the 99 to find the one. He’s the Father who welcomes the prodigal with open arms (Luke 15:20). Keep praying, keep believing, and trust that God’s love will reach them in His perfect timing.
Let’s never forget that the heart of God is to save the lost, to set the captives free, and to bring us into eternal life with Him. His will is that no one should perish but that all should come to repentance. And to that, I say Hallelujah! God’s love is faithful, and His pursuit of us is never-ending.
So, whether you're the one or part of the 99 today, remember this: God’s love for you is personal, intentional, and relentless. He rejoices over you, and His desire is that you would live in the fullness of His freedom, found only in Christ.