The Unlimited God Finds Lost Sheep

Five-Minute Friday – a display of God’s unlimited knowledge

Job had some really unhelpful and less than compassionate friends. They showed little empathy and even less wisdom about Job’s situation. Much of what they said was true, at least up to a point. One of Job’s friends was Zophar the Naamathite. He rightly observed that God is not bound by our limitations.

In Job chapter 11:7-11 Zophar said, “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back? For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?”

We know that Zophar is off-base in his analysis of Job’s situation. In chapter 13:4-5 Job says, “As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!”

This Week’s Display of the Limitless God

I have a brother who is about two year younger than me. His name is Russell, and he has not been seen by anyone in the family for over twenty years. To put that in perspective, the last time I talked to him he would have been about fifty years old. He is 71 years old now.

From time-to-time I have searched online to try to find him, but each search provided no clues. I suspected he might be in California, as the last time we spoke that is where he said he was. Finding a homeless person after twenty plus years is nearly impossible. But God is without limits.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, I received a call from a social worker at Sutter Davis Hospital in Davis California. She asked me if I was Russell’s brother. She verified a few facts, and it was clear to her and to me that she was caring for Russell Winquist, my brother.

What is impossible for me to do in a country the size of the USA, it is easy for God to do. He knows when every sparrow falls, he knows the number of my days, and he knows how to help a social worker locate family.

Russell enjoys coloring as he recovers in the hospital.

Lord willing, I hope to fly to California later this month to see my brother. He was lost, but he has been found. That is another of God’s specialties. In the parable of the prodigal son, in Luke 15, the Father says, (Luke 15:32): “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

They live and walk by faith, knowing that God sees and knows all of the details about everyone. He knows the details about each sparrow. (Matthew 10:28-31) We are worth more than many sparrows.

Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:24

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.