Seeking the Lost; Sustaining the Found

Growing Daily

Seeking the Lost; Sustaining the Found

This morning I read the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10). A woman with ten coins loses one. Although she still has nine coins (which I imagine she stored with extra care that day), she lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and begins searching.

It reminded me of a day in my childhood when my mom realized the diamond was missing from her engagement ring. It was the 1970s, in the days of shag carpet. Finding a little stone in all those deep fibers seemed hopeless. But she crawled through the house on her hands and knees, combing through a sea of avocado green, determined not to give up.

I remember my brother was home sick that day. As Mom searched, she kept stopping to check his temperature, bring him drinks, and make sure he was resting. She cared for the child safe at home while searching for the treasure that was missing.

In the same way, God pursues the lost while caring for those who already belong to Him. He’s fully attentive to the sheep in the fold and the sheep wandering in the wilderness. He can do both perfectly. He never neglects His own, yet He never stops seeking the lost.

My mom found the diamond and wore it for another 45 years. Like God, her heart rejoiced when the lost was found.

“…there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents...” Luke 15:10


- Catherine Reid