Chased Down and Brought Home: A Picture of God’s Relentless Love
Living in the country brings its share of surprises, and yesterday was no exception. A neighbor’s cow decided to escape and wandered its way into our backyard. What followed was a mix of chaos, teamwork, and persistence as everyone rallied to bring the cow back home.
After trapping the cow in the woods, it became clear this was no easy task. The cow wasn’t trained to be led, and every attempt to guide it failed. Our neighbor didn’t give up, though. She called everyone she could think of—neighbors, the sheriff, animal control, even a vet. When the vet arrived with a tranquilizer dart, it seemed like a breakthrough. But from there, it still took a tractor, a side-by-side, and a good deal of effort to get the cow safely back to her property.
What struck me most wasn’t the chaotic process or the laughter at the absurdity of it all. It was the look on our neighbor’s face when the cow was finally home—safe and secure. As she watched it stir awake after being revived, her emotion was palpable. That cow was hers, and its return brought her visible relief and joy.
Later, as I reflected on the events of the day, I was reminded of the parable that Jesus tells of the lost sheep..
Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" — Luke 15:4
The shepherd’s pursuit isn’t casual or half-hearted. It’s determined and relentless, because every single sheep matters.
Yesterday’s experience gave me a glimpse of how God pursues us. He doesn’t shrug His shoulders when we wander away. He enlists others, uses circumstances, and goes to incredible lengths to bring us home. And when we are found, there is rejoicing—because we belong to Him.
The Father’s Pursuit
It’s easy to feel unworthy of that kind of love. Maybe you’ve wandered off the path, or maybe you feel like you’re too far gone to be found. But the story of the lost sheep shows us the heart of God: He doesn’t stop pursuing us. He will do whatever it takes to bring us back to Him.
Luke 15:7 says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” God’s joy isn’t just about our return—it’s about the relationship He’s restoring with us.
Yesterday’s experience reminded me of three important truths:
God Pursues Us Relentlessly: Just as my neighbor called everyone she could think of to bring her cow home, God uses people and circumstances to reach us. His pursuit is intentional and unrelenting.
We Are Precious to Him: Watching my neighbor’s emotional relief as the cow was revived reminded me that God doesn’t just bring us back begrudgingly—He rejoices when we are restored.
He’ll Do Whatever It Takes: Whether it’s calling on others, allowing challenges in our lives, or simply waiting patiently, God works in ways we can’t always see to bring us home.
If you’ve ever felt lost, take heart. You’re never beyond the reach of God’s love. He pursues you with the same determination and joy as the shepherd seeking the lost sheep—or as my neighbor working to bring her cow home. And when you return to Him, it’s not just relief—it’s rejoicing, because you are His.
Is there a part of your life where you feel lost or far from God? How can you open your heart to His pursuit and let Him bring you back home?
Lord, thank You for being a God who relentlessly pursues us. When we wander, You call us back. When we’re lost, You find us. Help us to trust in Your love and to rest in the joy of being found. Amen.
