Testimony for the Church — No. 21

The Lost Sheep

I was referred to the parable of the lost sheep. The ninety and nine sheep were to be left in the wilderness, and search instituted for the lost one that had strayed. When the lost sheep was found, the shepherd elevated the sheep to his shoulder and returned with rejoicing. He does not return censuring and murmuring at the poor, lost sheep for making him so much trouble, but his return with the burden of the sheep is with rejoicing. T21 149.1

And still greater demonstration of joy is demanded. Friends and neighbors are called to rejoice with the finder, “for I have found my sheep which was lost.” The finding was the theme of rejoicing; the straying was not dwelt upon, for the joy of finding over-balanced the sorrow of the loss and the care, perplexity and peril, incurred in searching and restoring to safety the lost sheep. “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 needeth no repentance.” T21 149.2

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