As I was reflecting this morning on my life, I thought about being the one that Jesus came looking for.
I was lost and dirty and so ashamed. I am so blown away at the goodness that God has poured out on my life.
I don’t deserve this life He has blessed me with but I am so thankful.
Lost sheep Lost Coin Lost Son what does that have to do with lost people
Luke 15
The first two parables are about people searching for something that was lost.
Do you understand the value of the sheep. To a shepherd each sheep has its own individual value. That sheep had worth. We wander sometimes why would I leave the 99 obedient to find that one lost sheep because it had worth to him.
The same reason Jesus would have died on the cross for only you. You have worth and value to Him. Each one of His children have their own unique value. They each have gifts they bring to the kingdom.
The passage goes on to talk about a woman searching for a lost coin. The coins value were in that Palestinian tradition you were given 10 coins at your wedding so these coins had sentimental value. They were of a great value to her. So when it was found she rejoiced and celebrated with her friends and family. The same way that heaven rejoices when a lost child returns home.
In our first two stories we see someone searching for something that was lost. They needed to find the item of value and rejoice when it was found . The same way Jesus searches for us. He looks and looks until he finds us. Do you remember being the one he passionately pursued. His love for us doesn’t stop with salvation. He desires to give us good things and fill our life with joy. Have you forgotten the joy of your salvation. Take a moment and spend in His presence and be refreshed.
The last story is all too often many of us. We say you know what Dad I want all you have for me but I’m gonna go out and live my life however I want. Many times we have to hit rock bottom and almost lose our life before we realize that our Father will welcome us back with loving arms of restoration. I think sometimes it’s our Brother’s and sisters in Christ that keep us away because sometimes they act like that big brother who had remained faithful to his father and didn’t understand the mercy his brother was being shown. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook mercy and grace that people need because you haven’t walked away from the Father and have remained faithful. Praise God for those who have stayed faithful . I am thankful that even tough I threw it all away God forgave me and restored me. I don’t have to roll around with the pigs anymore.
Maybe you struggle allow God to heal those pains and restore you. Maybe your kid is a prodigal don’t stop praying. God is faithful I am living proof of that.
Remember that all lost people have a value to our Father and it is our job to love them and lead them back to Christ . So love the lost in your life and welcome them home with loving arms.
