I came to faith in Christ at an early age. I don’t exactly know when this happened in human time, but I can assure you it already happened in Christ before the foundation of the world (Revelation 17:8). But, of course, this doesn’t mean I’ve lived an exemplary life since my conversion to Christ those many years ago.
On the contrary, no one knows better than me and the good Lord Himself how many times I presumed upon His grace and turned to my own way. (Isaiah 53:6) There was a particularly dark time in my life several years ago where I was downright rebellious and blatantly disobedient to God. I thought I could secretly sin and escape the chastisement of my heavenly Father. (Hebrews 12:3-11) Thanks be to God; he disciplined me and restored me to the fold.
I got myself into such a mess that I could not find my way back home. A few of the most meaningful people in my life turned their back on me and cast me onto the dung pile of life. Others stood in stunned silence, not knowing how to help their friend, father, brother, and son. And to be honest, I bit the hands that tried.
In Luke 15:3-7, Jesus told a parable about Himself, the Good Shepherd that left the 99 sheep to go and search for, find and rescue the 100th Sheep who could not find his way home. I am that Sheep. I know there are other 100th Sheep all throughout time. In fact, all His sheep are 100th Sheep, though some of them have the illusion that they don’t deserve that title.
I love the movie The Shawshank Redemption. I particularly love the scene where Andy Dufrene just finished crawling through over 300 yards of filth to escape his prison. He stood with His arms outstretched, wide facing the falling rain. Few people could watch that scene without feeling a sense of freedom.
I know I may appear odd to others. I don’t know if my friends and family wish I didn’t write such blog posts. I’m not sure if I embarrass my grown children. I’m pretty sure those who hate me (and, yes, I have a few) will comment on my hypocrisy and drama. To be quite honest, I don’t care what others think of me. I am the 100th Sheep brought back from the edge by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed to give Him glory. If it wasn’t for Him, I would be a lost goat forever.
When I die, I want the epitaph on my gravestone to be:
