English: An etching by Jan Luyken illustrating Luke 15:8-10 in the Bowyer Bible, Bolton, England. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
(See Luke 15:3-7, Luke 15:8-10, Luke 15:11-32, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, Ezekiel 18:31-32)
We’ve all had times in our lives when we may feel like we are in the “lost and found” pile of humanity. We might feel like we don’t measure up, or we may worry that what we’ve done may be simply beyond repair. We can’t see how we will ever get back into the good graces of God or ever make up the damage to those with whom we’ve offended. Yet, God’s hand of grace is ever-extended as He is ever-mindful and His love is ever-lasting.
Luke 15 details three parables of things that are lost and things that are found and it’s kind of interesting thing when you read them together. It’s just that they come together in a triptych as it were. I believe that may be purposeful, since by seeing them all at once we look at the issue from different perspectives (ours and God’s). These parables talk about losing things that men are looking for, but also show what God is looking for in the “lost” portion of his children.
Comparison is made between the heart of God versus the heart of man, which is always instructive. “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” His atonement placed everything within His reach, His atonement spans and covers it all. He has already done the work of overcoming the world.
Our part is simply to believe that Christ could (and did) atone for us. That nothing we have done is too great for Him to forgive. If we truly believe that, we can once again boldly approach the throne of God in confidence that we are restored through faith in His redeeming blood.
Verse 1:
If you feel lost
You can be found
Reach out your hand
He’s ready to claim you
Verse 2:
Some things are lost
And need not be found
Reach out to Him
He is holding out open arms
Chorus:
You’ve been far from home
Don’t you believe He (still) waits?
Worried you won’t belong?
Just give His love a chance
Verse 3:
He is faithful
He is able
To bring us home
He will bring us home
Bridge:
He will find
Find the lost
He will carry
Carry us home
Lyrics and music copyright (c) 2013 Thomas J. Brough. All rights reserved.
