Lost Lives Matter
My day started off with a morning workout with my trainer. I then returned home and got ready for a “quick” trip to Denver. After taking care of my visits and errands I returned to Fort Collins in time for an evening meeting.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to change.…In the same way, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner changes his heart and life…We had to celebrate and be happy because your brother…was lost, but now he is found.” Luke 15:7,10,32 NCV
The story of the “Prodigal Son” is a well know story from Jesus. But it is really one of three stories that Jesus tells to get the attention of the people and to show them that to Him, “lost lives matter.” Scripture declares of Jesus, “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10 NIV)
Let me begin by asking what is the longest you have searched for something that was lost? What did the experience feel like? How did you feel when the object was finally found?
I’m not sure how Jesus would have told the story in our day, but in His day the value of a sheep and a coin and certainly a son was significant. As I consider this story, the first thing that stands out is that which is lost matters and is valued.
As a matter of fact, the lost sheep is so valued, the 99 that were not lost were left to “fend for themselves” while the shepherd looked for the lost sheep. The search for the lost coin results in a thorough “house cleaning” clearing, sweeping and sifting until it is found.
The lost son, was of such great concern that it caused the father restless nights and a continual gaze to the horizon in hope that this son who willingly left, would willingly return.
There was not rationalization or justification to diminish the value of what was lost. In other words, “I still have 99 sheep or I still have nine coins or I still have one son. Instead we see that which was lost captivated the attention of the seeker and motivated action and hopes.
Next, I observe the patience and persistence that is required to find that which is lost. When we look for something that is lost, it captivates our mind and we think about where it last was and where it could be and what it will take until it is found. Sometimes, we are ready to give up, just when we look again in the same place, or turn over the cushion or look under the bed or comb the car and there it is!
Scripture says that, “God is being patient…He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” (2 Peter 3:9 NCV)
Finding that which is lost is a cause for celebration. Undoubtedly, if something of value is lost long enough, when it is found we tell or spouse or call a family member of friend to share the good news. In these stories Jesus shares, when a person comes to Christ the event is worthy of a grand celebration.
Jesus talks about “joy in heaven” when one sinner repents. The woman who lost the coin, tells her neighbors and invites them to celebrate with her. The father kills a fat calf and holds a party for the son who has returned.
What is important for us to remember is that scripture says, “all we like sheep have gone astray…” (Isa. 53:6 KJV) There was rejoicing when we were found, when we returned and we must never grow tired or fail to celebrate when the “lost is found.” Because “lost lives matter” to God and they should to us.