This passage is often used to demonstrate God's love for us. Unfortunately, we often miss another huge lesson in this story. Why does the shepherd leave the 99 sheep? Because the shepherd knows that there are strength in numbers. The wolf will go for the one, lonely and lost sheep. The wolf wouldn't dare try to attack an entire flock of sheep. As is the case in life, when we surround ourselves with others, with those who love and care for us, we are less likely to be attacked and even if we are attacked, we will easily overcome the attacker.
Lord, I appreciate that when I stray, You will come for me but help me to realize that I can save us both a lot of pain and trouble by surrounding myself with others and rely on the fact that the WHOLE is greater than me being on my own.