Luke 15:1-10

God’s Passion for Lost People

Jesus had a rare gift to be able to attract those despised and ridiculed by the masses. He was approachable. I envision Jesus emitted an aura of love and acceptance, a welcoming spirit.

   

As Jesus somehow enticed the taxpayers and sinners of the area to gather around him, the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered about how Jesus welcomes and eats with sinners. They had so much to learn.

Jesus shared with them the parable of the lost sheep, and how the shepherd will leave ninety nine to locate the missing from the flock. He also told the story of the woman who misplaced one of her silver coins and did not rest until it was found. These things were treasured by the ones who lost them.

This reminded me of the time the diamond from my wedding ring went missing. Because of the sentimental value above all, I dedicated the entire day to retracing my steps. I could not rest until I located it, though anyone who knew what I was attempting, thought I was in a futile search. As I drove our old suburban into the driveway nearing defeat, I recalled unloading my nephew’s birthday gift from the back tailgate. I had already gone back and searched their home and yard to no avail, as well as the other half a dozen places I had been. As the gate dropped down and I scanned the area I grabbed his package from, a sparkle beyond description revealed itself to me between the crease of the tailgate and the bed of the truck. Wow!  That was it. To this day I guard and protect that stone like never before.

So the analogy; as I reread my words I am somewhat distressed. If that stone meant so much to me, there are some other things that should take precedence as well, like people. Though I attempt to share my faith and go out of my way to help others and draw them to the Lord, am I doing so with as much passion and determination as I put forth when looking for my diamond?

How much more precious than diamonds, are people made in God’s image, even when that image has been tarnished by sin. We are all diamonds in the rough, each of us worth finding and cleaning up for the Lord. 

Read/Listen to Luke 15:1-10