Stories about Finding the Lost

Christ seeks and has given Christians the task of seeking, finding and bringing sinners to God. He wants people to come unto God, walk in His spiritual light and save their souls. Luke 15:10 - I (Jesus) say unto you, there is joy in the presence of angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. The followings are discussed: Finding the Lost Sheep; Finding a Lost Coin, Finding a Lost Son.

Finding a Lost Sheep: Jesus used the following illustrations to describe the love of God toward those who are lost. Jesus would say that he came to seek and save lives; it was for this purpose he gave his life. He wants believers to have compassion for people who have fallen from God's saving grace, and lead them to restore the right relationship with God. Jesus identified himself with the sinners and condemned Jewish religious leaders for self-righteousness and disdain for those they considered to be sinful and unrighteous people. The religious leaders were disturbed by Christ's action for relating with sinners as the Messiah. But his parables show the extent of God's love for the lost, the need to find them and ensure they are brought to God (Luke 15:1-3). Christians should endeavour to seek sinners and provide for their spiritual needs.

The parable of the lost sheep shows how Christians should have concern for the lost, seek them and rejoice over their return to God (Luke 15:4-7). The Shepherd left the flock of ninety nine sheep to find and bring one lost, wandering and insecure sheep back to the flock. While other sheep were secure under the care of other shepherds, the one that has gone astray must be searched for and brought back to the flock. Jesus was passionate toward sinners and wanted his followers to show compassion for the lost and save lives. The lost are living a life dominated by sins and widely separated from God. In order to ensure the lost return to God, learn and follow His way Christians have crucial roles to play.

Finding the Lost Coin: Yet in another parable Jesus illustrates the passion for finding something so precious. The woman lit the lamp, diligently searching for a lost coin and when she had found it, called her friends to rejoice with her (Luke 15:8-10). The lost people today are so precious to God as the lost coin was precious to the woman. Just as the lamp provided the light that made it possible for the woman to search all over the place and find the coin, Christians holding the light of Salvation must seek and restore sinners. Joy will fill  our hearts when we reach to the lost and see them respond to the message of salvation ( Psalm 126:5-6; Proverbs 11:30). Heaven rejoices over a sinner that repents and returns to God.

Finding a Lost Son: The reception and celebration held to honour the return of the prodigal son back home was a great demonstration of God's love and pleasure for repentance and restoration of those who are lost. The son got his portion of the father's wealth, went to a far place where he squandered everything and became wretched. He became a servant and could have eaten pigs' feed but it wasn't given him. He then thought of home and how his father's servants were enjoying and made up his mind to return. He admitted his sins, repented and resolved to seek father's forgiveness (Luke 15:11-16).

Returning home, the son humbled himself before the father and asked for forgiveness. One could have expected the father to castigate the child for his behaviour and reject his plead. While the son was far off and coming back the father ran to him, embraced and welcomed him back home. The father was so happy and held a big feast to celebrate his return (Luke 15:17-24), saying my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found again. His father's reception portrays loving acceptance God offers to a repentant sinner. Repentance requires action which God honours. Repent, humbly turn to God, ask for forgiveness and ask for the grace to follow and obey Him. God wants those who are saved to arise and save others. Lesson texts: Luke 15:1-24.