What did the 99 do when the shepherd was gone?

If Jesus Himself is the shepherd, and we are to strive to be like Him, then should we sheep not seek to be a shepherd to others and seek to shine the light of salvation on the wandering ones?  Shouldn’t we pick them up on our shoulders and help to carry them back to the waiting flock?  Once they are there, shouldn’t we encourage them to become shepherds and eventually help in the search for lost sheep?  When we are in the flock, shouldn’t we be encouraging the seeking and praising the Father that found us stumbling about in the wilderness?  Shouldn’t we be learning so that we too may imitate the shepherd and stretch out from the flock to find the lost?

Or should we be content to sit around so many other found sheep? Should we be whispering about those seeking, discontent to be left alone?  No.  Rather than lamenting the fact that your shepherd is seeking the lost ones, read the words long written down and encourage the 99.  Encourage the shepherd when he returns, and rejoice with him/her when a lost sheep is returned.  Learn to look and seek yourself.

I would love to look with you and rejoice when you come back weary from carrying lost sheep.