I promised I would come back to this thread. The parables of the lost sheep, the piece of silver, and the prodigal son, are in Luke 15.
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What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

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That seems to say that the one that strays is valued above the ones that are where they should be, doing all the right things. Sometimes I've felt like maybe I should rebel a little, just to get someone to care about me.

There is a song (in the book/album that I posted about a while ago) that is comforting if you're one of the 99, and wondering if God cares about you too.

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I am one of the ninety and nine.
I'm not perfect, but basically I'm doing fine.
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray.
I'm just one of the ninety and nine.
And I'm here in the heart of the fold.
I'm not mindless, but I try to do as I'm told.
I'm not tempted to run and become a lost one.
I'm just here at the heart of the fold.

So why is my shepherd coming this way toward me?
He's holding his arms out and calling my name.
He's calling my name, but how can this be?
I'm just one of the ninety and nine.
I have stumbled and fallen, but I've kept in line.
I'm not one He must seek; I'm not all that unique.
I'm just one of the ninety and nine.

So why is my shepherd treating me like His lost lamb?
He's searching to find ... me ... and He's holding me now,
He's holding me now, and teaching me who I am.
And why am I feeling like I'm the only one here?
It's like ... it's like I'm his favorite ...
And He takes me aside and He sweetly confides
These remarkable words in my ear. He says:

"You're one of the ninety and nine.
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
You are safe in this fold
And it's time you were told that I know where you've been,
So I know where you'll be,
Because all of your life you've been following me.
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
Or just one of the ninety and nine:
You are mine ... you are mine ... you are mine ... you are mine."
Guess I'm one of the ninety and nine.

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