Mahle the Spotted Lamb
When Mahle was young and still in the fold, the other lambs laughed at him because of his spots. They whispered that he did not belong. Their unkind words hurt Mahle deeply, and before long, he ran away.
Far from the fold, Mahle became lost. He did not know how to find his way back home. He was lonely, afraid, and tired. At last, with a hurting heart, Mahle cried out to the Lord.
And the Shepherd heard him.
The Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine in the wilderness and went out to find Mahle, the one who was lost. He did not forget him. He did not leave him behind. He searched until He found him.
When the Shepherd brought Mahle home, there was joy. Then He showed all the others something important: every sheep matters to Him. Not one is forgotten. Not one is too different. Not one is too lost to be found.
Mahle’s story reminds us that heaven rejoices over one lost heart that turns back to God. As Jesus said, there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Luke 15:4–7
Prayer: Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being the Good Shepherd who comes looking for the lost.
Thank You that no one is forgotten, and no one is too far away for Your Love.
Help us remember that every child matters to You.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.