Ninety-Nine

Rain pelted against Jack's face as he tried to ride his bike. Three more blocks and he would be home. However, it seemed like he wasn't getting anywhere with the wind pressing against him. He peddled hard but wasn't moving fast.It's even hard to see, Jack thought and finally pulled to the side of the road. There was a big tree on the corner of the street, and he parked his bike under it so he'd be out of the rain.Jack shivered as he stood there, his T-shirt and jeans soaked. If only he had taken his friend's mom's offer of a ride home instead of biking back.Jack took a seat on the damp grass and leaned back against the tree. How long is the rain going to last? he thought. What if it keeps raining like this all night? "God, please help me," Jack whispered.He had been sitting there for a while when headlights came down the road. A vehicle pulled to the curb, and Jack's eyes filled with tears of relief when he saw his dad climb out."Jack!" His dad ran to him through the rain.Jack hugged him. "You came for me!""Of course I did," Dad said. "Your friend's mom called when it started raining. We were worried about you.""Thanks for finding me, Dad.""Anytime." Dad smiled at him. "I would leave the ninety-nine for you, you know."Jack's brow wrinkled for a moment, but then he got it. "You mean, like in the Bible?"Dad nodded as he wheeled the bike to his truck. "Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who left ninety-nine sheep to find the one who was lost. That's how He loves us as our Good Shepherd--when we were lost in the darkness of sin, He came to find us. And it's also the way I love you. I will always come to help you, and Jesus will always be there for you whenever you feel lost or alone.""I prayed when I was alone," Jack said. "Then God sent you."Dad smiled. "See? God was with you. He knew you were in trouble and He helped you."Jack climbed into the warm van and returned his dad's smile. "I'm glad you and God care about me." –Bethany Acker