Luke 15:1-10
are verses very familiar to us. In
verses 1 and 2, Jesus is being criticized by the Pharisees and scribes for
spending time with, even eating with tax collectors and sinners. In verses 3-7, Jesus explains his position by
telling the story of the shepherd who leaves his flock of 99 to search for one
sheep that was lost. Then, in verses
8-10, he tells of the woman who searches for one lost coin until she finds it. In both stories, friends and neighbors also
rejoice with the shepherd and the woman in the recovery of that which was lost.
In the past,
when we thought about these stories, we always identified with the shepherd or
the widow searching for what was lost.
How would they conduct the search, especially if it was dark, and in
treacherous terrain? Searching alone,
where would they look?
However,
this time when thinking about these verses my perspective began to change to
that of identifying with the lost sheep or lost coin. We, too, get lost don’t we – maybe not so
much in the big things but in the little ones.
We get an attitude; we allow resentments, envy, or jealousy, to build
up. We get down on ourselves or
others. Like the little lamb or the coin
we get lost. Isn’t it comforting to
realize that during those times our Heavenly Father is leaving the 99 and
coming quietly, seeking us to draw us back into His fold. He is seeking us, yet not, infringing on our
free will. And when we are found, even
if we’ve been “tax collectors” or “sinners” there is JOY, JOY in Heaven for we
have returned. This is life with our
Heavenly Father.
Prayer: Dear Lord, once again we are reminded that you
offer so much more to us than we deserve.
Thank you for caring for us, for drawing us to you, for your
unconditional love. Help us to take
advantage of these gifts, to draw close to you and to allow you into our
hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Joe & Vicki
Vermedahl
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