LOST - BUT FOUND Jesus Christ was the master story-teller. Here in this chapter are three of his best-known short stories. They were told to illustrate how much God loves and misses every individual soul. They were also told for those who criticised his life-style, particularly the Pharisees. They resented him spending so much time with 'sinners'. The first story is about a lost sheep (verses 4-7). One of the shepherd's flock had wandered away. A sheep doesn't stop to think. It sees a gap or an opening and wanders on unconscious of any danger. Soon it is lost to the safety of the flock and the fold. When it realises its position, it can only bleat helplessly and can never find its way back. But this foolish lost sheep called out the love of the shepherd. He left the other sheep and went to find the lost one. God does the same. How many ways does He use to seek out the lost sinners and call them back to Himself? He is the seeking shepherd who rejoices when a lost sinner repents and joins God's family. The second story tells of a lost coin (verses 8-10). How was it lost? By carelessness? The sheep was lost to safety. The coin was lost to service. It could not be used while it was lost. It could make no contribution to the home. It was not merely a piece of metal lost, but all the good it could do was lost too. Again there was someone who felt the loss keenly. The woman searched, swept, looked until she found it, and restored it rejoicingly to its rightful place. Here is a picture of the Holy Spirit. He works tirelessly searching, seeking for lost sinners who are lost to God. The Holy Spirit speaks to them, hoping to convict them of their sin, their position and their need of a Saviour. How He rejoices (and all the angels join with Him) when a sinner listens to His voice and is saved and comes into the family of God! Where are you today? |
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