Lost and Found

Please read Luke 15:8-10

This is one of a series of parables of Jesus, about lost things and the joy and celebration when they are found. In this case, a woman lost a coin, which represents part of her dowry. It has great value to her and she is determined to find it. When she does find it, she calls her friends to rejoice with her. And Jesus says, in the same way, there will be rejoicing in the presence of angels, over one lost soul who turns to God.

Lost sheep are important to find. Lost coins are important to find. But to Jesus, the most significant “find” is lost souls! Lost people who turn to Jesus bring about celebration in the presence of angels!

I remember my own determination to find lost things…. Lost contact lens, lost keys, lost cell phone, lost pictures, or papers of importance, but all of those pale into insignificance compared to the time I thought my child was lost. Even though it was only a few moments that he was out of my sight, my heart was filled with deepest longing until I knew my child was safe and I held him in my arms. I wanted to shout and dance with joy! I think that is just a hint of what Jesus is talking about when He teaches us about celebration in the presence of angels when one lost soul is found.

Father God, I long to have your heart for lost souls! Help me not to see lost things as more important than lost ones who are in my world.

~Sherry Haake