CELEBRATE THE LOST BEING FOUND
So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Luke 15:3-10 (NLT)
We’ve all lost something at some point. We might accept that it’s gone forever if it’s insignificant. But for the stuff that we need or deem valuable— we’ll tear apart the couch, car, junk drawer and everywhere we can think of in the search. When the lost item remains elusive, it’s incredibly frustrating. It can often become an unhealthy fixation until the situation is resolved, and we bask in the sweet joy of finally reclaiming that which was lost!
That’s how God feels when those who are lost are ultimately found. Verse 10 says there is joy in the presence of God’s angels for that one sinner repenting. Who does that imply is doing the rejoicing? Indeed, the angels are joining in, but it seems that this is God Himself in a moment of exultation.
A few chapters later, Jesus says:
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.
Luke 19:10 (NLT)
APPLICATION:
Do we celebrate those who are lost being found? A nonbeliever passing from death to life in Christ is miraculous! Take a few moments to pray for lost family, friends or coworkers. Thank God for your loved ones who are believers. Consider listening to Homecoming by Bethel to reflect further on this concept.
PRAYER:
Gracious God,
Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. His perfect life, His willing death, and His undeniable resurrection are the foundation of our hope. Help me as I seek to be Your ambassador so that many in my life will come to know You. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.