Lost And Found!

In chapter 15 of the Gospel of Luke in the Bible, the LORD JESUS related 3 stories to those who were looked down upon as sinners and to the Pharisees and scribes who were religious leaders. The stories are about an insensible sheep that wandered away, an insensitive coin that rolled away and a impatient boy who walked away. All three were lost but when they were found there was great rejoicing!

The lost sheep was one of a flock of hundred. In its foolishness it wandered away and was in danger of being caught by a wolf. Every sheep was precious to the shepherd. Although that sheep was one of a hundred and the shepherd still had 99 sheep, his heart ached for that lost sheep! He left the 99 sheep to find the lost one. When he found it, he carried it on his shoulders and brought it home rejoicing! He celebrated with his friends and neighbours!!

The lost coin was probably one of ten in a head dress of a woman. That head dress was not complete without that lost coin although it had 9 left on it! The woman spent time and energy lighting a lamp, sweeping the floor and carefully searching for it. Life was not as usual for her until she found the lost coin. When she found it she had such joy that she called her friends and neighbours to share in her celebration!!

The lost son was the younger of two sons of a father. He demanded from his father, the portion of his inheritance that would come to him after the death of his father. Seeing that he had set his heart on the treasure, the father released the goods to him ahead of time. A few days after receiving the goods, the son realised that he wouldn't be in a position to enjoy these goods as long as he was within the disciplined boundaries and the clean environment of his home. Then he collected all that now belonged to him and journeyed to a land far away. Far enough to be out of sight, out of hearing and out of reach of his father!

Now he had his freedom to live as he pleased! He could enjoy life with the money he had!! He felt he was let loose!!! He partied day and night. He did whatever brought excitement and enjoyment to himself, thinking what a lot of sensations he had missed out while at home. He made many friends as he threw wild parties! "Money is for spending," he thought to himself! He did not realise that money wouldn't last forever.

 Co-incidentally, as he finished his money, a severe famine arose in that far away land. His parties ended and his friends left him. The experience of emptiness overwhelmed him. Empty stomach, empty pocket and an empty life. Hunger pains drove him to find work. Feeding swine would be the most menial of all jobs for a Jew! Even there no one gave him anything. No money and no food. Only the pigs' food was available to him!!

While in that desperate state he 'came to himself'. He came to his senses. The remembrance of his loving father brought a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes. He pictured the lowest person in his father's house. "The hired servants had food enough and to spare! I lived in such comfort and security as a son, in a loving environment. I have now come down to being a pig- feeder. I have hit rock bottom. Now I will arise and go to my father. I will confess my rebellion against GOD in disobeying his GOD-given authority over me. I can never be fit to be a son in that environment of clean standards. I am so dirty in my body, mind and spirit! The only way out for me is to be one of the lowliest hired servants of my father. I will still be within the boundary of my father's house!"  He wept as his heart broke.

He thought of the long distance he had to cover as he started on his return journey. In every way it was a 180 degree change in direction! The attitude of his heart, the thoughts that filled his mind, his values and his focus.Walking with starvation and physical weakness was hard. Retracing his steps brought memories of his rebellion, anger, selfishness and covetousness and it was emotionally torturous! He hated that path he had taken. How deceived he had been in looking for fun that was evil, wicked and transient. It had left him empty, weak and hurt. Every step toward home made him remember the abundance of provision, justice and security that prevailed there. The discipline, responsibility and rules maintained by his father which previously irritated him now seemed so precious and necessary. These were so wanting in the land far away. The freedom that he had sought after had in fact brought him into the bondage of the enemy of his soul! The journey out that had been exciting and short, now seemed so long and tiring.

As he lifted his eyes, at last he caught a glimpse of the familiar structure! His home!!That's where he belonged. He saw a figure, straining to look towards him. Could that be father? He tried to imagine how his father would feel for him. He may be angry and shout at him or even beat him with a rod. Strangely, it didn't matter to him. He felt he deserved every bit of it and he wasn't afraid. There was peace deep in his heart. He would gladly take whatever punishment awaited him as long as he could be with his father, even as a hired servant. He wouldn't expect anything more.

Now the old, frail figure of the father was moving fast towards him. The gap between him and his father was narrowing. The grace and love flowing from the father seemed to bridge the gap reaching his heart! Love started replacing the traces of fear in his heart. It seemed to be few moments and the prodigal son was locked in the tight embrace of his father, both weeping! After gaining his breath, the boy started his planned recitation of confession and his intention to be a servant. The father had different plans for his prodigal son. The plan was nothing short of complete restoration of his son ship including all the perks!!!
The best robe was put on him, a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. The fatted calf was killed to make a grand meal and a party followed with music and dancing!!

You may have been one of a hundred and have now wandered away. You may feel so insignificant, unwanted and useless. The Shepherd of your soul is looking for you. He is passionately seeking you! He knows you by name and you are precious to Him. There is evil and danger in this world. He desires to take you back into His fold.

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.  Isaiah 43:1


You may have been callous and careless with your life and rolled away like the coin. You realise you are lost. You may think that it doesn't matter as you are one of ten. There are nine others left. You have no identity. You have no purpose in life and like the coin you are just rolling around in the dark. That head dress is not complete without you. You belong there! The LORD JESUS left Heaven and came to this earth to look for you and to save you. You are unique and special - just one of a kind! He wants to place you where you belong.
 You shall also be a crown of glory In the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem In the hand of your God.Isaiah 62:3

If you have walked away from your Heavenly Father and/or from your earthly father, you have to make the decision to do the U turn. You may have sought after earthly pleasures and freedom that destroy your life here and in eternity. The Almighty GOD, Who is your Heavenly Father, is waiting for you. He is waiting with love in His heart and outstretched arms to forgive you and embrace you. That's where you belong!

Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.  Isaiah 55:7 


OH! THE LOVE THAT DREW SALVATION'S PLAN!
OH! THE GRACE THAT BROUGHT IT DOWN TO MAN!!
OH! THE MIGHTY GAP THAT GOD DID SPAN!
AT CALVARY!!