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When you can buy a bag of potato chips with a story on the back, it may be worth the price. So it is with me and “Uncle Ray’s” chips. These confections, sold at our local convenience store, each have a cute story written by Uncle Ray, recounting an episode in his past.

Yesterday, it was a story of how he had a Kool-Aid stand at 8 years old. Some kid grabbed his pitcher of punch and ran off with it. He abandoned his stand and unsuccessfully pursued the adolescent thief. Upon his return, he found that the remainder of his inventory had been stolen.

Jesus told us much about this in his parables. In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus showed us the joy in heaven when one lost sheep is found and returned to the herd. That sheep wasn’t stolen; he wandered. The finding of the sheep is equated to a person’s repentance.

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7 ESV)

Jesus also tells us that the thief cannot steal his beloved sheep, like Uncle Ray’s Kool-Aid thug. In fact, Jesus lays down his life to protect his flock from the thief.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. …  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (John 10:10-11, 28-29 ESV)

I am glad that we serve the good shepherd and not an 8-year-old Uncle Ray! Praise God for his protection and may there be abundant joy in heaven today over more lost ones who quit running from God and submit through repentance and faith!