The core of God’s redemptive plan to humanity is exemplified by Jesus’ teachings in Lk 19:10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” This highlights the divine desire in pursuing those who are spiritually estranged or separated from Him because of sin.
The Lord Jesus in the Parables of the Lost in Lk 15 told three (3) parables to illustrate God’s heart beat for the lost, in response to the criticism of religious leaders for associating with sinners.
1.The Lost Sheep: A shepherd leaves 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost until he finds it, then rejoices greatly. This emphasises the value God places on each individual soul.
2.The Lost Coin: A woman diligently searches her house for a single lost coin and calls her neighbours to celebrate when it’s found.
3.The Prodigal Son (or the Loving Father): A younger son leaves home and squanders his inheritance in reckless or riotous living. When he returns in repentance, his father runs to meet him with open arms, full of compassion and joy, restoring him to full sonship without requiring him to earn his place back. This vividly portrays God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.
These show God’s unconditional (agape) love for us. He does not wait for people to fully clean up their lives before seeking or saving them; He actively pursues them first.
The term “lost” refers to the general human condition of being spiritually separated from God by sin. It teaches that everyone is considered lost until he or she is found through a relationship with God. Moreover, there is great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents and returns to God, demonstrating the depth of God’s love and mercy. The goal of God seeking the lost is not for punishment, but full restoration and reconciliation into His family.
“The Shepherd of Love. He is seeking the lost. In paths that are rough and steep; He’s calling the lambs that have gone astray, He is calling His sheep. The Shepherd of Love knows. His sheep by name, And tenderly leads the way; O weary one, come to the Shepherd’s fold, He is calling today.”
“The Shepherd of Love, our ransom hath paid, And offers salvation free; He is patiently waiting for thee to come, He is calling for thee. The Shepherd of Love, now seeketh His sheep, He seeketh whatever the cost; Behold, He is calling the wanderer home, He is calling the lost.”
Beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd of our souls is seeking for you and I – the lost in particular. Why? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn 3:16). He doesn’t want anyone to perish. He wants us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. He loves us so much that He gave His life as a ransom for the salvation of our souls. He is seeking for us because we are lost in trepasses and in sins. Why not let Him find you today?
How do you respond to His call? You come to Him in genuine repentance, receive Him as your personal Saviour and Lord. He gives eternal life and peaceful living. Also, believers are enjoined to emulate God’s love and compassion by reaching out to those around them who are lost, sharing hope and the message of salvation. What a great change He will make in our lives today! Let Jesus come into your heart now. Lord Jesus, come afresh into my heart. May you allow Jesus reign in your life, in the name of Jesus.
(Lk 15:1-32; Jn 10:11,14-17; Matt 11:28-30).
Shalom!
