The Tractor (And The Easter Bunny!)

Nat is a newly qualified social worker.

Luke 15:3-7 (NIVUK) —

‘Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." 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.'

My first job was one unlike most - I was not your average paper boy, nor was I old enough to be a babysitter, but at age 13, I secured a job as 'easter bunny 'at the local farm park. This job came with all the perks: hours of tanning opportunity in the well-known sunny month of March, a rickety bike, and the joy of being chased by the farm’s infamous tractor tour ride. For the children on the tractor tour, their job was to help the farmer spot and follow me through fields, along farm tracks and through the main farm area all while I ran and cycled away. After a perilous ride and exhausting chase, I would approach the trailer and there would be a cheer for finally catching up with me and we would all share chocolate eggs before heading back to the farm park.

Now I am sure that the party Jesus refers to at the end of this passage is one that is a little more than a few cheap eggs and a cheer on the back of the tractor trailer. However, maybe today you feel like a sheep who feels miles away from home, maybe you can see the tractor in the distance, but the safest thing feels like hopping on your rickety bike and trying to avoid being caught up with. But, today as an encouragement, know that when you let the Father catch up with you, not only is a party thrown, but that he picks you up, places you on his shoulder and holds you tight and takes you back home.

Prayer – Heavenly Father, I pray that I would know you close, that your peace would fill me and I would know that I am held by you.