Lost and Found: Joining God’s Mission
Luke 15:1–10 tells two familiar stories Jesus shared: a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, and a woman who turns her house upside down to find a single missing coin. Both stories end with celebration, because what was lost has been found. Most of the time when we read this passage, we focus on how God relentlessly seeks us when we’re lost. That is an amazing truth, God doesn’t give up on us. But there’s another layer here: if we follow Christ, we are called to join in God’s mission of seeking and restoring the lost.
Not long ago, I experienced a small but powerful example of this in the middle of Target. I noticed a child who had become separated from their parents. Their little face was full of fear and uncertainty, and I could see they didn’t know what to do. I stood there with them and helped them find a store employee who could help us locate the parents. The moment they were reunited was unforgettable. The child immediately relaxed, their fear replaced with peace. And their parents were overwhelmed with relief and thanked me again and again for helping their child get back to them safely.
That moment reminded me of the joy Jesus describes in Luke 15. It’s not just the one who was lost who experiences peace and relief; it’s also the community: the parents, the shepherd, and the woman, who rejoice in the restoration. When someone finds their way back to God, heaven itself celebrates.
But here’s the key: just as I couldn’t ignore the lost child in Target, we can’t ignore those around us who are spiritually searching, hurting, or wandering. God invites us to join the mission. Sometimes that means walking alongside someone in their questions, sometimes it’s showing kindness, sometimes it’s pointing someone to the love of Christ.
The good news is that the pressure isn’t on us to “save” people—that’s God’s work. But we are called to be part of the search party. And when the lost are found, both heaven and earth rejoice.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
Prayer:
God, thank you for never giving up on me. Help me to not only rejoice in being found but to join your mission in seeking others. Open my eyes to the people around me who need encouragement, love, and grace. May I be faithful in guiding them toward you. Amen.
