Lost things
It has been a long long time since my last post. I figured it was time for a new one. So here goes…
I was thinking today about lost things. I have “lost” many things in my lifetime. From car keys to check books to tools to pocket-knives and well you get the idea. Some lost things can really ruin your day. Say for instance, you lost $20 dollars. If you were planning to spend it or even save it, losing it will most definitely ruin your day. Some things that I have lost have been found later on, usually after much searching and asking my family if they have seen it. Depending on it’s importance, there can be a lot of celebrating! At the very least we want to tell someone about it. “Hey, I just called to tell you I found my . . .”
I can think of a couple of lost things that can make your day. Since 2007, I have lost around 80 lbs! That is a loss that is worth celebrating:-) (I am trying hard not to find it!) One day I lost my guilt, when I came to Jesus and confessed my sins. That was a great day of rejoicing, not just here, but in heaven too!
Jesus talked about lost things in Luke 15. There was a lost coin, a lost sheep, and a lost son. The three stories (parables) are really one and the same in meaning. All of them were lost, all were searched for and found, and all of them were rejoiced over. Of course the value was different for each one. The woman who lost & found the coin, had a party to celebrate that probably cost more than the coin was worth! The shepherd had a celebration when he found the sheep, and he probably killed a lamb to celebrate with his friends. The father spared no expense to celebrate the return of his lost son. I believe Jesus’ intent for these stories was to help us realize how much rejoicing there is over one lost sinner repenting. “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
Hopefully, the next time you lose & find something, you will remember that as you rejoice over finding your lost possessions, Jesus and all of heaven rejoice over 1 person who repents.
Hope you have a wonderful week! Pastor Tim