Lost and Found

Backstory:
Jesus was ministering in Jewish territory on the east side of the Jordan River, in modern Jordan. Tax collectors were especially detested because they were Jewish agents who collected taxes for the pagan Roman conquerors and frequently defrauded their own people in the process. “Sinners” were notoriously evil people as well as those who refused to follow the Mosaic Law as interpreted by the teachers of the law. The religious leaders of the day were appalled by Jesus’ association with such ilk. Instead of preaching to these leaders directly, Jesus told them 3 parables that contrasted their exclusiveness with God’s love.

God’s Story:
I care for every person. Each one is precious to me. Some know and follow me; others are lost or lose their way. I call and search and wait for them to come back to me. No wrong is too great, no corner is too dark, no one has wandered too far. I will search and find the lost ones of my creation.

Read Luke 15:1-32

Your Story:
Remember the last time you misplaced your keys, lost your watch or couldn’t find your cell phone? Remember that feeling of joy and relief when you found what you were looking for? Then you can understand just a little bit of the great jubilation the shepherd, the woman and the father in these stories experienced. God rejoices every time one of his precious children finds their way back to him. All heaven explodes with hallelujahs because one more of the lost souls are back in relationship with God.