Lost and Found

Read Luke 15:11-32

As Valerie Clark, from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, grows older, she is more inclined to forget where she has put things. So she has developed the habit of asking God to help her find what she has lost, and God graciously responds.

In our scripture from Luke 15, we read of a lost coin, a lost sheep, and a lost son. Each was precious to the one who had suffered the loss, and great was the rejoicing when the lost was found.

Many people have lost something that they think they will never find: a reputation, innocence, faith, hope, joy, enthusiasm, vision, purpose. Many have lost their first love for God. But when Jesus told these stories, he was offering hope for restoration.

Yes, God is kind and helps us with everyday situations - like lost household items. But God is greatly concerned about people who are lost - those who have drifted away or who have never been close to begin with. God longs to bring all of us home and restore us. When we have lost our way in the struggles of life, we can come to God and pour our hearts out to our loving Father. God will always welcome us, embrace us, love us and restore us.

Prayer: Dear God, may the love you show us through others lead us back to you, in Jesus' name. Amen.