Have you ever lost your car keys, misplaced your cell phone, or forgot where you put your wallet? I have, and the feeling is terrible. I can’t focus on anything else until I find them. My mind runs a hundred miles a minute. I will search the entire house until I find them. Nothing is safe. I replay in my mind every step I took throughout the day. I flip the couch upside down and search behind the seats. I check the pockets of every pair of pants I’ve worn. Nothing is safe until I find the lost item.
Did you know there are three stories similar to losing something valuable in the bible. There is the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son in Luke 15:1-32. First there is a shepherd who has ninety-nine sheep and loses one. The Shepherd will not rest until he has found the one lost sheep. And when he does, he throws a big party where his friends and heaven rejoice.
Secondly there is the story of the woman who has ten coins and loses one. She cleans her house from top to bottom until she finds the lost coin. And when she does, she invites her friends to celebrate with her and the angels in heaven.
Thirdly, there is the Father whose Son left home and went astray. The father longs for the son to return home. He watched for him every day. Until one day the Son returns home. The son full of shame begs his father to just accept him as one of his servants. But the father calls all his friends to come and celebrate with him. He puts on a feast. He kills the fated calf; he dresses the son in royalty. And welcomes him back into the family. There is no second place for any child of God in his home. All are royalty.
What was Jesus trying to teach the religious leaders of his day and more important what is he teaching us today? I believe it must have had something to do with the value of humankind. The religious leaders of Jesus day saw no value in anyone who wasn’t of their nationality. They thought their birthright and their heritage made them better than anyone else. However, Jesus shows the infinite value of his creation. Every lost soul is important to God. He loves them so much he sent his Son into the world to reveal who God is, and his unimaginable love for them. And to pay the price to provide a way back home through the cross of Jesus.
Did you know that God loves you so much he searches for you until he finds you? And when He does, he celebrates your return. Like we read in 1 Corinthians 13:5, His love keeps no record of wrongs. The lost son thought his sins were so bad, his father wouldn’t accept him back into his family. But the Father would have nothing to do with it. There isn’t a second or third or fourth place in the Kingdom of God. Your Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). Everything he has is yours to enjoy. This is something the older son didn’t understand. What a sad thing to be in the Kingdom of God and not recognize that everything God has is available to you. He has given you everything that pertains to life and Godliness. Yet many choose to live as if every day has to be a struggle. We of all people who are saved, should run, and shout and tell all of our friends, I was lost but now I’m found. I’m rich because of who my heavenly Father is. Rich or poor, I lack nothing. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). That’s the story of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. And it’s the story of every believer who repents of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Father thank you for searching for me until you found me. Thank you for accepting me when I repented. And thank you for restoring me to my rightful position within your family. All who trust in you are a son or daughter in your Kingdom with no shame, no guilt, and no condemnation.
