Today we spent the day around our resort. We played miniature golf and hit the swimming pool. There are a lot of activities here, so we will focus on doing things close by opposed to hitting all of the attractions. This actually gives me time to write and take care of some other business during this week.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am allowed to do all things,” but not all things are good for me to do. “I am allowed to do all things,” but I will not let anything make me its slave.  I Corinthians 6:12 NCV

We live in a day when individuals are concerned and fight for “personal” rights. We live in a day when people live by the guideline, “as long as it makes me happy” it is okay. In Paul’s day, believers were coming to grasp with the transition from “the Law” to “grace.” This brought some challenges about choices and activities and how to discriminate not so much from “black” and “white” but the “gray” areas of life.

I am reminded of Jesus words when He said, “…wisdom is proved to be right by what she does.” (Matt. 11:19 NCV) If our desire is to please the Lord and to live a life of wisdom, we see personal responsibility for our own actions is important. What we do has an impact on us and also an impact on others.

Many believers in Paul’s day, were taking a cavalier approach to life and personal conduct. They defended their actions by claiming [in Christ] “all things are lawful” (NIV) or “I am allowed to do all things.” (NCV)

However, Paul reminds them of two important considerations that were to serve as a guide for them in living their freedom in Christ. “All things may be lawful…” But all things “are not good to do.” The Biblical word is “edify”; it has to do with strength and building up. Paul is challenging believers to consider if their actions, attitudes and deeds, will result in them being built up. Will it strengthen my faith, will it build my trust in the Lord, will it help me show God’s love others? How does this activity impact my joy and peace in life? Some basic questions that are good for us to consider. This is one way we are to “think of ourselves”; not in doing “anything we please” but considering the impact of what we do.

Paul also goes on and says, “All things are lawful…but I will not be brought under the bondage of any [thing].” Paul reminds believers that we can become slaves to that which we surrender our lives to. Our time, attention, money, passions….

The challenge here is not whether “I am enslaved” it is more, “does it have the potential or threat of being enslaving.” We can become overly cynical and view this as relating to any area of life and thereby diminishing the message and the point. What we need to be aware of is the risk that something in our life robs us of time with God, devotion to the Lord or our influence for the Lord.

At issue is that believers in Christ are called to live their lives not in a self-centered fashion that is like the world around them, but to live in a way to encourage fellow believers, to bring out the best in people and to see themselves as representatives of Christ in the world. The Lord has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us in the path of life we are to walk and the decisions we make.

Today was a full day at Lego Land in Orlando. One of the areas I could have spent more time in was the area where miniature cities such as Washington, DC, New York and Chicago were replicated. I was glad to have the use of an electric scooter to navigate the park and was able to enjoy several of the rides. Overall, it was a good day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “There were two hundred leaders from Issachar. They knew what Israel should do, and they knew the right time to do it…”                     1 Chronicles 12:32 NCV

As David became King after the death of Saul we see, recorded in 1 Chronicles 12, a list of the number of soliders who joined him from various tribes. When David was on the run from Saul, there was a small band of loyal, well trained and loyal men who joined themselves to him as a mercenary army.

However, when Saul was killed in battle and it became evident that the Lord’s promise to David was becoming true many more rallied to his side to make him King in Hebron. The list includes:

• Sixty-eight hundred men with their weapons from Judah
  
•  Seventy-one hundred men from Simeon.
  
• Forty-six hundred men from Levi. 
• Three thousand men from Benjamin, who were Saul’s relatives.
  
• Twenty thousand eight hundred men from Ephraim.
  
• Eighteen thousand men from West Manasseh.  (1 Chron. 12:24-31)
  

Comments are made about each of these men from the various tribes that were well equipped, prepared and especially chosen for the task of joining ranks with David. While David’s reign was initially established in Judah, we see men from tribes from a least six of the twelves which made up the nation of Israel.

But the strength of David’s army and the key to his success was not just in numbers and training and swords and arrows. We see a reference to a relatively small group of men from the tribe of Issachar.  It says of these men, that they served as David’s, military advisers and intelligence, if you will. The specific description is, “They knew what Israel should do, and they knew the right time to do it…”

If there is a key to success in any endeavor or activity; if there is a characteristic of leadership that is all important; it is knowing what to do and when and we might add “how” (to make it three) in executing a plan. When those three come together, you have a winning combination.

It is not just a matter of  knowing or doing the “right” thing. Timing and methodology is all important. I can look at my own leadership and observe the leadership of others, or even actions taken in the legislative process and see something that was “right” and “good” sabotaged by the wrong timing or the wrong approach.

Often times a leader or a group of leaders feel they have accomplished their task when they make the “what” decision. They then rush to implementation and realize they have fallen short on the needed communication with staff or congregation to make the effort a success. Or they take action that involves a commitment of finances and find that they would have been better off, waiting for some months or even a year to take action.

Once again, I believe the greatest challenge is not the “what” part of a decision. I speak from experience in feeling a false sense of security in having that question answered. In retrospect I would have been better off spending more time wrestling with the “when” and “how.”

There are times when the timing of a decision or action is dictated by forces beyond our control or by others. It is in those times that it is important to re-evaluate “what” to do. Once again, I have found that there are times you want to do something, but the timing involved does not make it possible.

As a King, David could have forced a situation with the power and might of his well trained and equipped army. But that in itself would not guarantee success or limit the casualties. Just like in battle, when leaders force an issue, there are “casualties.” It may be the loss of support or credibility or confidence even in your own abilities.

I am thankful that we can trust the Lord to help us as leaders to have those critical elements come together in for our organizations, ministries and personal lives. I am also thankful that we can learn from mistakes and don’t need to be paralyzed by fear that results in no action, at no time.

When I look at the thousands of men who were with David. I realize it was in the insight of a few, that would often determine the success of all those on the front lines of the battle. David needed the 200 men of Issachar as much as the thousands of soldiers at his disposal. When we realize this, we see the challenge and the awesome responsibility and the need for wisdom as leaders. Leaders need wisdom and they need people around the with wisdom. Whether you are leading an organization, ministry, your family or your own life, you can take this to heart. Also, be sure to pray for those in leadership at any and every level of your life and our society.

We enjoyed our first day here in Orlando. Stephanie and family arrived late last night. The boys still headed to the pool for a late night swim after they go settled. I spent some time at the pool with Nathan and Mason and Carter this morning. For me most of the afternoon was spent doing some writing, followed by some emails and my blog. But overall, a good day. Tomorrow is Lego-land!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… ‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says: What can you trust in now?  You say you have battle plans and power for war, but your words mean nothing…Don’t let Hezekiah talk you into trusting the Lord by saying, ‘The Lord will surely save us. This city won’t be handed over to the king of Assyria.’…“Don’t let Hezekiah fool you, saying, ‘The Lord will save us.’ Has a god of any other nation saved his people from the power of the king of Assyria?  Isaiah 36:4-5,16-18 NCV

As you look at the rant of the King of Assyria to Hezekiah and the people it is designed to create fear and intimidation. Assyria has just taken Israel captive and conquered the city of Samaria. Now, the King is setting his sights on the plum of Jerusalem the capital city of Judah.

The King of Assyria begins by taunting King Hezekiah. He then speaks to the people and as he does, he degenerates the Lord God of Heaven. Some one should have leaned over to him and said, “I don’t think you want to do that.”

The current King of Assyria had not learned anything from the time of Jonah the prophet when God had sent a message of judgment to Nineveh his capital city. The King of that time repented in ashes and God delayed judgment. Now Sennacherib, is showing his arrogance and defiles the name of the Lord. He treats the Lord like any man-made god whose power had not protected other nations.

We see the response of the people and of King Hezekiah. The people did not respond. They were instructed not to enter a taunting match with the Assyrian messengers. Hezekiah tried his best to shield his people from the fear and terror being spewed by the Assyrians.

Hezekiah was one of Judah’s “good Kings.” He honored the Lord for most of his life and even had the people celebrate the Passover for the first time in generations. Hezekiah goes into mourning, showing his humility before the Lord. As he prays he acknowledges the real danger and the successful exploits of the Assyrians. Like Jehoshaphat of Hezekiah realized, “….we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chron 20:12)

As Hezekiah was praying and calling out to the Lord, God sent Isaiah the prophet with the message, ‘Don’t be afraid of what you have heard. Don’t be frightened by the words the servants of the king of Assyria have spoken against me. Listen! I am going to put a spirit in the king of Assyria. He will hear a report that will make him return to his own country, and I will cause him to die by the sword there.’” (Isa. 37:6,7 NCV)

This is what the Lord said about the King of Assyria,  “You have insulted me and spoken against me; you have raised your voice against me. You have a proud look on your face, which is against me, the Holy One of Israel!” (Isa. 37:23) The Lord continued and told Sennacherib,  “I allowed you to turn those strong, walled cities into piles of rocks…“‘I know when you rest, when you come and go, and how you rage against me. Because you rage against me, and because I have heard your proud words, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth. Then I will force you to leave my country the same way you came.’ (Isa. 37:26,28-29 NCV)

We see that an angel of the Lord went out and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.  When Sennacherib returned to his home town, he was killed by two of his own sons as he worshiped his false gods. Judah was defended without swing a sword or shooting an arrow. We see that the Lord, “is able to save by many or by few” and is also able to protect His own by His divine power, through His actions alone.

Hezekiah passed the “test of trust.” He realized that without God, he was without hope. He sought the Lord and the Lord honored the sincerity of his heart and defended the honor of His own name through defeating the Assyrians.

In our lives, when we pass the “trust test” and rely on the Lord when our “back are against the wall” we always find the Lord faithful to come to our aid. Perhaps the real challenge is trusting the Lord in all situations and at all times, that is the true test of trust.

Our day began early. We got up at 2:30 a.m. and made last minute preparations before catching a 4:00 a.m. shuttle ride to DIA for our 7:00 a.m. flight to Orlando. The flight seemed to go well for the most part, I think I slept as much as possible. The rest of our day was spent navigating the car rental process and making our way to the resort.

Stephanie, Nathan and the kids will be arriving late tonight. We are looking forward to this week. I plan on making it somewhat of a “working vacation.” I hope to start with some content for potential chapters for a book.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Jabez prayed to the God of Israel, “Please do good things for me and give me more land. Stay with me, and don’t let anyone hurt me. Then I won’t have any pain.” And God did what Jabez had asked.”     1 Chronicles 4:10 NCV

We see many answers to prayer in the Bible, but none so briefly referenced as that of the “prayer of Jabez.” The reference to Jabez falls in a curious place in scripture. As the ancestry of Gods’ people is being reviewed, we come to somewhat of a “miscellaneous” section of references. In other words, there is no consistent tie between generations.  At the beginning of chapter 4, there is a reference to Hur the eldest son of Caleb. Perhaps Jabez, as one commentator suggests, is tied to the city that bears his names that is mention in 1 Chronicles 2 as the home of some of Caleb’s descendants.

We know don’t know Jabez’s lineage, but the insertion of his life into these chapters about ancestors of Judah makes him of significance. What we do know is how he got his name. We know he was the most respected of his brothers and that he prayed and that the Lord answered his prayer.

His name like many in the Bible emerged out of his birth. His mother named him “Jabez, because she said, “I was in much pain when I gave birth to him.” (1 Chron. 4:9 NCV) Perhaps Jabez, like me, was born breach. This would have made the painful process of birth that much more intense and even life threatening for the mother.

It would have been difficult going through life with a name that is associated with pain. Names and the meanings of names can be significant. So for Jabez to gain greater honor that his brothers he had to be able to overcome a name that fought against a positive view of himself and life.

Jabez sought the Lord, when seeking the Lord wasn’t necessarily the norm of the day. When God’s people moved into the promised land they quickly were drawn away to worship false gods. But Jabez stayed true to and sought the blessing and favor of the Lord God.

He prayed for an “expanded territory.” That prayer in itself showed that he had a vision and plan for his life. He wasn’t willing to just settle for what he had in the Lord’s land, he was willing to go beyond what was expected, and allow the Lord to use him in an expanded manner.

Then he prayed, “Lord stay with me and protect me.” (Don’t let anyone hurt me). I’m glad Jabez wasn’t just willing to have God be with Him when he felt his need for Him. It appears that Jabez realized that to “make it” – to be all that I need to be, I need the Lord with me all the time.

These few verses about Jabez simply end, “and the Lord answered his prayer.” While we don’t know much about Jabez, it seems that his history was significant to Israel. That gives rise to the connection of his name with a prominent city of the day. Perhaps more than anything Jabez was known as one who God answered his prayer. His desire for an expanded territory and protection was not accomplished through his own power, strength, intellect or “working the system” of the day. It was found in seeking the Lord.

Much has been written about Jabez over the years. But perhaps the most basic lesson we need to remember is that the Lord does answer the prayers of those who honor him and seek Him….at all times. The Lord is able to allow a life that has a rough beginning to be one that is honored and remembered. It is interesting that a life that began associated with pain, ended as being identified as a place of safety, refuge and notable achievements. That is what can happen when the Lord answers prayer.

We are getting ready for a trip this coming week. So today has been our “prep” day getting final arrangements completed for being gone to Orlando, Florida. We are connecting with Stephanie and Nathan and the grand kids for the next week.

Besides packing and taking care of all those things that all of a sudden seem to be important when you are gone a few days, I did have my session with my trainer. I walked 25 feet with one crutch which was a new record for me. I believe I can tell some results in just the last few sessions.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Jesus and the apostles were sitting at the table.  He said to them, “I wanted very much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer.  I will not eat another Passover meal until it is given its true meaning in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22:14-16 NCV

The Passover meal was the most significant feast in Israel’s history. I say that because, it is during the “Passover meal” when Jesus instituted the “Lord’s Supper.” The Lord’s Supper or communion has tied Christians together since the last meal Jesus shared with His disciples. The Passover meal was significant because Jesus told His disciples that there would be a future meal shared by Christ with His disciples when God’s kingdom comes in its fullness. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the Lord’s Supper and said, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV)

So we see that one meal, one feast in Jewish history ties the timeline of history to the exodus, the death of Christ and the return of Christ. There are some observations about the Passover that help us understand its significance.

We see that it was established and first eaten, just before the final plague, the death of the first born, came upon Egypt. It would mark the beginning of their year and the establishment of God’s people as a distinct “nation” free from slavery and moving toward God’s divine purpose and promise. In the first Passover it was the blood of the lamb on the doorposts that provided the protection from the wrath of God and allowed death to “pass over” God’s people.

We see the significance in communion, because Jesus was the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the word.” It is through the blood of Christ that we are spared from the wrath of God’s judgment and by which we become “His people.” Peter declared, “You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:8 NLT)

Then we see that the Passover was a feast, a meal. It was eaten by a family and if the lamb they had was too big for the one family they were to share with others. The Passover is a community event, it is connection, it is fellowship, it is remembering and it is celebrating, it is anticipating. The event we see referenced in Revelation is called the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” (Rev. 19:9)

The Passover meal included “bitter herbs” and “unleavened bread.” The bitter herbs were a reminder of their suffering as slaves. While leaven became viewed as a type for sin. The main reason for the unleavened bread in the original Passover was that it was to be “eaten with haste” because deliverance was coming and they were to be ready.

For believers today, we realize that this life may have its trials and sufferings. But the Lord has marked a day when all of those will come to an end. Our duty is to not be bogged down and discouraged by our present circumstances because the Lord has a plan and destiny prepared for His children. We are to live in anticipation of the day when… “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”                (Rev. 11:15 NLT)

The “Kingdom of God”  speaks deliverance from this world. It speaks of being rescued from God’s wrath by the blood of Christ, God’s lamb. It is a place of God’s rule, it is a new home for the people of God. It is a place of fellowship and communion with the Lord and God’s people forever. And all of this seen in the Passover and our celebration of the Lord’s Supper each time it is eaten.

My day wasn’t as busy as yesterday, which was good. I’m not sure how many “regular” work days I can put together. I will probably find out. But today still had enough activity. After my  morning conference call and some work outside, I attended a Rotary meeting in Windsor where one of our LEAP Steering Committee members made a presentation. I then had a quick stop by Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for some follow up from my meeting yesterday and then home for a short time before a mid-afternoon dentist appointment.

I have to admit the I was fairly fatigued by the time I got home. So, I needed a nap before returning to some of my outside work.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So this is what I will do to you, Israel; because I will do this to you, get ready to meet your God, Israel.” He is the one who makes the mountains and creates the wind  and makes his thoughts known to people. He changes the dawn into darkness and walks over the mountains of the earth. His name is the Lord God All-Powerful.”  Amos 4:12,13 NCV

As I read Amos chapter 4, I thought of those people that I know who are are fun loving, outgoing and friends with “everybody.” But at the same time when they need to hold someone accountable they will not hesitate to do so.

When we consider and view the character and actions of God, we can be thankful that He is a God of grace, mercy and loving kindness. But that doesn’t mean He never holds people and nations accountable. Israel had ignored the Lord for so long they felt that He really didn’t matter in their lives. The prophet gives a litany of ways the Lord was try to get their attention.

“I did not give you any food in your cities…I held back the rain from you three months before harvest time…Rain fell on one field, but another field got none and dried up...I made your crops die from disease and mildew.…“I sent disasters against you, as I did to Egypt.…I killed your youn8g men with swords, and your horses were taken from you...“I destroyed some of you as I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.” (Amos 4:6-11 NCV)

Four times as these signs and judgments are listed we find the words, “yet you did not come back to me.” As a result, we see the Lord saying, “prepare to meet your God…” As they do they will find that the Lord God is the God of the universe. Israel worshiped false gods and the stars of heaven and turned their backs on the all powerful God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob the maker of heaven and earth.

An interesting parallel is found in Revelation. We see various “end time” tribulation judgments and events taking place in the natural world. The reoccurring response is  “…and yet they did not repent….” (Rev. 9:21; 16:9,11)

Then we find a description of this event, “Then I saw heaven opened, and there before me was a white horse. The rider on the horse is called Faithful and True, and he is right when he judges and makes war….He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God...Out of the rider’s mouth comes a sharp sword that he will use to defeat the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.“ (Rev. 19:11-15 NCV)

Even those who have ignored, denied and refused to acknowledge and turn to the Lord will find themselves “meeting God” in all of His glory. This is the time when Paul’s words in Philippians will come to pass, “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11 NKJV)

Yet for those who acknowledge and place their faith and trust in the Lord “meeting God” is a time of rejoicing, celebration and “faith becoming sight.” They are the ones who say, “even so come quickly Lord Jesus.” They are the ones who anticipate the Lord’s words, “…well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord…” They are the ones who anticipate meeting the Lord and hold to the promise, “The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And those who have died believing in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive will be gathered up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NCV)

Fear about being confronted by God’s judgment or wrath against sin and rebellion does not need to be a part of your life. When with an open heart a person responds to the Lord in relationship and experiences life in Christ, “meeting God” is turned from fear or dread to hope and anticipation.

Today was like a “real” day of work for me. I started with a breakfast meeting with about 75 professionals serving seniors. I then had a meeting with some officers from Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital, then I had a LEAP Steering Committee meeting and then after checking some email, I headed off to a chiropractor appointment.

After coming home to take care of some business emails, it was about 5:00 p.m. Boy, an 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. day is kind of normal. It is good to “return to action” and feel good about it. At least for one day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Because of these things, this is what the Lord God says: “I will put a stone in the ground in Jerusalem, a tested stone. Everything will be built on this important and precious rock. Anyone who trusts in it will never be disappointed. I will use justice as a measuring line and goodness as the standard.”  Isaiah 28:16,17 NCV

The Lord has more than one way to establish a people who will commit their lives to Him and follow Him faithfully and completely. Isaiah is prophesying what will prove to be a few short years before the captivity of Israel. We can see the hardness of the hearts of the people and their rebellious attitude.

The prophet says,“..they make fun of the Lord’s prophet…” (Isa. 26:10 NCV) The people refused the Lord’s invitation and intervention, God said to them, “Here is a place of rest; let the tired people come and rest. This is the place of peace.” But the people would not listen.“ (Isa. 26:12 NCV) We see the people lived in self-made delusion, the leaders said, “When terrible punishment passes by, it won’t hurt us. Our lies will keep us safe, and our tricks will hide us.”  (Isa. 26:15 NCV)

This is what lead the Lord’s prophet to declare, “because of these things…” Because of treating the prophets with contempt, because they refused the Lord’s offer for rest, because they relied on their own deception to protect them, the Lord said, “I am putting down a “new marker.” A cornerstone, a “tried stone, a precious stone, a sure foundation…” (Isa. 28:16 NKJV) Like an ark of safety those who want to be “saved” from the coming destruction will run to this stone.

The corner stone was the point from which all else found its origin. It was the solid foundation that gave strength to the entire structure. It was the signal of a new start, a fresh beginning. The imagery continues with justice and goodness as the “measuring line and standard” for this building. This point of origin and this new building would serve as a testimony and judgment against the lies, contempt and arrogance that the people had displayed against the Lord. It would be a demarcation between those who trust in man and those who trust in the Lord.

Several hundred years later Peter would refer back to these words of the prophet. He wrote to first century believers, “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” ^{(1 Peter 2:4-6 NIV)}

Peter makes it clear that Christ is the true cornerstone, the foundation for a life, the point of origin for all that is just and good. And the promise is that, “the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” You can experience shame when your lies are exposed, when your false foundations crumble, when your source of trust crashes around your head. But when you place your trust and confidence in the Lord you are part of a spiritual building that stands the test and assaults of time.

If you need a fresh start or a recalibration or just an “alignment” check. Look to the cornerstone. When you find your life in Christ you will find that you are where you need to be.

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.