Where Are You? (Matthew 18:12-14)

One of the most useful features of using Apple products is a clever app known as "Find Your iPhone". By setting a control on your iPhone or any other Apple device, one can immediately track the location of the device. This is extremely helpful when one thinks they have lost or misplaced the device. From a remote location, a map appears that gives the precise location of the device. One can even place a message on the device alerting anyone who finds it to call your designated phone number or cause the device to emit an audible signal to alert the searcher if they are within earshot. In the worst case scenario, one can completely wipe the memory of the device clean, protecting any personally sensitive information. One may never recover their device, but at least one can have peace of mind that their information and identity are secure.

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.
Matthew 18:12-14

How comforting to know that God always knows where we are and what is our status. Even if we stray and associate with others who would turn our hearts away from Him, He does not erase us from His memory or thoughts. Not only will He not forsake us, He takes the initiative to search and find us and bring us back to fellowship with Him. What an amazing God we serve who is not beholden to our selfish desires but seeks to use our carnal nature to bring us into a closer and more intimate view of who He is and the kind of relationship He truly desires for us.

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.