Learning from Jesus - Pt. 18

 

So he [Jesus] told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:3-10 ESV).

 

I have a few things that are very special to me. Some of them are heirlooms from family, others are meaningful for the memories they bring to me from times past. These are things that I “save” in very “secure” places. My problem is that these secure places are often forgotten. Thankfully Mary remembers where I put them and they are not lost to me. A few days ago, I looked where I thought I had put our voter registration cards to make sure everything was in order to vote early. I looked in my Aggie accessories box and found mine, though Mary’s was not there. I wondered why I would have put mine and not hers in the same place. I looked all over the house. Finally, somewhat distraught, I asked her if she had seen her card. She responded with, “It’s in my purse.” I know I didn’t put it there and asked if she had put it there. Thankfully she had and my relief was palpable.

 

Like the woman in our reading who found her lost coin, I celebrated. For her, the loss of a coin that was worth a day’s wages was significant. She was determined to find it, and when she did, she wanted to celebrate with her friends and neighbors. In this story, like the other ones in Luke 15, Jesus is illustrating how important it is when one of his children, who has been lost, is found and can be brought back into his family. Even the angels sing and celebrate.

 

Jesus’ story is a thoughtful reminder that no matter who you are or what your circumstances are today, there is a Savior who is looking for you and watching over you—always.