Lost And Found

Luke 15:9 – And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost." (NKJV)

Last November, a group of us went to see a live stage show called "Wingfield Lost and Found", written by Dan Needles and starring Rod Beattie. The story is about a stockbroker turned hobby farmer, Walt Wingfield. There are eight or ten characters in the story, all portrayed by one person. Through the show runs the theme of different things which were lost: a small herd of cattle that wandered away; a well that went dry; a relationship that was strained; and a sentimental item that was misplaced. Advertising for the play included this memorable line: "Wingfield Lost and Found is a whimsical reminder that searching can turn up more than what is lost and teach us the value of more than what is found."

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables about things which were lost. There was a man who had a hundred sheep, and when one was missing, he looked for it. When he found it, he was rejoicing, the Bible says. Then, there was the woman who had ten silver coins, one of which was lost, and when she found it, she called her neighbours to come and rejoice with her. Finally, there is the story of the son who had squandered his inheritance, and when he finally returned home, the father organized a great party for him and his friends. Jesus assures us, "Likewise I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10 NKJV)

Perhaps we know people who, after a lifetime of Christian belief, have lost their faith and have come to the conclusion that they don't believe any more. Others have gone to church for a number of years, and then for some reason, they stop going, and for the time being at least, they are lost to the fellowship of Christian worship. Some come back on their own, but others need help to find their way again. If we know of people like this, we need to pray for opportunities to help them work through their difficulties. Some have been hurt by church people, and we might become agents of reconciliation. Some may have a change of heart and believe again, and when that happens, there is great joy in heaven, as well as in the church.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we ask that You will give us the ability to contact those who have wandered away from the faith, and that those who have will have the desire to return to You and the fellowship of the church. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.