The Israelites had spent many years in exile in Babylon. Then a wonderful and comforting message came through the prophet Isaiah - they were going home! God would lead them and remove all obstacles. They would be restored and dwell peacefully and prosperously in the land. No negative situation lasts forever. God is always with us; God always gives us hope and a future. Even when we have brought disaster on ourselves, God comforts us and gives us hope.

In the parable of the lost sheep, we are assured that God never gives up on anyone. The shepherd was willing to leave the flock untended - exposing them to danger - to search for the one lost sheep. When he found it, he rejoiced more over that one sheep than all the others. God does not leave anyone behind; no one is unimportant to God. A flock missing one sheep is not complete - it is no longer flock. We should have the same attitude as God, not giving up on anyone and always reaching out to those who are lost. The journey will not be over until all are gathered in.