Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-7) (02/01/24)
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TITLE: The Shepherd’s Cove | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lynn Jacky
02/08/24 -
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Frank slowly awoke to the familiar angelic sound. Instantly he sat up placing his feet on the floor to left side of his bunk trying to distinguish the tune. A powerful but long forgotten memory tugged at his heart. He walked out onto the deck of his cabin, taking in a deep breath of fresh air and looked around to see where the sound might be coming from. “There surely seems to be something mysteriously majestic about this place.” He said out loud. “Don’t get used to this ranch, you won’t be here long.” His inner voice whispered.
The ranch each day is full of blessings and miracles; but one day a week the Sabbath is a day of fellowship. Everyone comes dressed in their finest, excited to worship the Lord, sharing together in praise, prayers and a delicious meal. Today they’ll gather in the great hall, the tables are arrayed in the finest linens and fresh garden vegetables, meats and fruits prepared by the women.
Poppa begins, “Because so many lost sheep have found their way back to the Lord; the legal name of this ranch is ‘Shepherd’s Cove’.” Everyone agreed it was a good name. “I would like to introduce Melissa. She is praying for someone special and we have invited her to spend a few days with us.” Poppa quietly left realizing one resident was not present.
Laura Beth stood to greet everyone and began to tune her violin. “Let’s worship and praise the Lord, please hold in your hearts the one lost who finds it so difficult to hear the shepherd’s voice.” A beautiful melody vibrated filling the room as LB’s bow glided over the strings of her great grandfather’s violin.
Melissa’s voice silently prayed, ‘Lord don’t let him go’.
Soon the room was filled with sopranos singing, ‘Come Thou Font Of Every Blessing’. The enchanted melody of musical notes, the ancient libretto floated on the wings of His angels and Frank remembered the memory that haunted his lost soul, the sweet voice of his smother singing, ‘Oh, to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy grace now, like a fetter’.
His heart heard, but his mind was still reluctant. Ashamed he thought it’s too late. Frank fell to his knees, surrendered into the loving arms of Jesus. “I’ve been by your side all these years waiting for you to hear my voice.”
Frank sang the ending of the last stanza, “Bind my yielded heart to Thee.
Let me know Thee in thy fullness; Guide me by Thy mighty hand,
Till, transformed, in Thine own image, in thy presence I shall stand.”
Poppa found Frank on his knees loudly singing. He lovingly placed his hand on his shoulder. “Frank, come to the great hall and celebrate the Sabbath with us. Melissa is waiting.
Fiction inspired by the verses in Matthew 18:12-13 and Psalm 119:176.
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant for I do not forget your commandments.”
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