December 6, 2022, Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent-A

Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm 96

Matthew 18:12-14

“…it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”     Matthew 18:14

Lord, we are blessed to have brave men and women whose job it is to search for and rescue people who become lost. They risk their own lives to save someone lost at sea or in the wilderness or from a natural disaster.  Because our Father loves every one of his children he cares deeply if we are separated from him. Your parable of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to search for one lost sheep shows how radically crazy the Father is about every one of us. Who but a lover would value one out of a hundred so much? Lord, our Father sent you as his search and rescue team. Your mission was to give yourself completely on the cross for our salvation. You never give up on anyone. I can imagine the joy in heaven over every sinner that is found and brought home to the safety of your flock. Lord, I pray I am never separated from you. If I can be used by you to help rescue one who is lost, I’ll do it. I pray for those lost in the darkness of sin.  Thank you, Lord, for caring for each of us so much.  Amen.