Have you ever lost something and wanted to get it back so badly? Well, most of us can relate to that. Whether it is a small thing or big, if we lose something that’s important to us, we all desire to have it restored. And if we ever are able to find it, we would be exhilarated. It’s not just true about material things but also applicable for other scenarios. Getting back on track after losing the way or getting restored to a relationship that was thought to be lost or even finding oneself back after feeling lost in life situations, all bring a tremendous amount of joy.
It’s interesting to learn the three lost and found scenarios described in Luke chapter 15.
The first example is of a sheep that was lost accidently by the shepherd. The loss was negligible as it was only one among a hundred. However, to the shepherd it was very significant that he took a high risk in leaving the ninety nine behind in the wilderness to search for the one that was lost.
Next is a woman who lost one coin out of ten coins she possessed. She also didn’t want to leave it behind. The loss occurred probably by her own carelessness or lack of diligence, however upon realizing her loss she went out after it, lit a lamp, swept the house, and searched carefully until she found it.
Third, we see one son among two who got lost from the house by him purposely leaving his father to live a prodigal life. However, his father didn’t write him off, but rather waited for him to come back. When he finally came back, the father wholly accepted him back even at the risk of offending his older son who stayed with him all along.
Jesus used these parables to explain that regardless of how the loss has happened, whether by accident, or by lack of diligence or by purposely walking away, there is still hope. The only thing the lost sheep could do was to cry out until the shepherd comes. The woman who lost the coin prevailed by her persistence and diligence. Our loving Heavenly Father has His arms stretched out to receive the repentant ones who are turning to Him.
Of all the losses, the ultimate loss is the loss of your soul. The Bible says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
The heart-captivating eternal love of the Father assumes great value to the lost. You are significant enough to be put back together as a great price has already been paid for you at the cross of Jesus. Hence don’t wait for another day, as “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (II Corinthians 6:2b.). May He put back together the lost pieces in your life as you call out, seek and come home to Him, God bless you!
