But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32 (NIV)
In the 15th chapter of Luke, we come across the stories of some lost stuff; a coin, a sheep and a son. When we look at the grand history – the big story – of God’s people, lost stuff being found is the overarching message. Or at the very least, getting them on the journey of being found.
In these three parables, the responsibility of being found is not placed on the lost “thing”. I can just imagine the person who lost a coin saying “You stupid coin! Why did you lose yourself?”
Even when we get past the lost “things” and get to the lost “son” – a representation of you and I and all of humanity – the father isn’t upset with the son. He isn’t angry, frustrated or abusive toward him.
Because of his love, he cares and is overjoyed.
Often when I lose something, I get frustrated. I curse and mutter and beat myself up… and even sometimes take it out on others.
Does that happen to you?
Being frustrated does not fix the “lost” problem and only reveals our own failings and misgivings.
Overlay that filter onto people who are lost… People who’ve lost their way on the journey to knowing God – which is the journey we’re all ultimately on. Do they frustrate you? Or do you see them through his eyes?
Perhaps they’re eating pig food like the lost son. Don’t worry, that’s just part of the journey of finding their way back home.
As long as you stay loving and caring – helping them when they’re in need and giving them space when they run away – the beacon of love will guide them home. Into the loving arms of the Divine.
When it comes to “lost things” the Father is seeking to find. He’s not worried or afraid. He’s just waiting… with arms wide open…
Lizzy, my wife, has introduced me to Frederick Buechner and I really love this quote of his:
“What’s lost is nothing to what’s found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup.”
Love will lead the way home…
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