And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin."
Luke 15:9 (NIV)
Knowing that I hate searching, I always make sure all my things are organized and tidy. So whenever I need something, I know exactly where to go. If I move something and don't put it back right away, I know it will take me a while to find it again. I will have to remember every place I used it. When I find it, my satisfaction and joy always exceed my frustration.
This experience allows me to understand the meaning of this parable and the truth it contains. Like this woman expressing joy after finding her 10 coins, we should also be joyful and celebrate when a brother we had lost comes to repent of his sin and regain his place in God's family. The passage tells us that even the angels rejoice over the sinner who repents.
The Bible contains many stories like this. Further down (V. 11-32), we have the parable of the prodigal son. In the Old Testament, we have the story of Jacob who returned to Esau after years on the run. Through these stories, we must understand that God always has his arms wide open to receive those who return to Him. However, verse 8 emphasizes that the woman made sure to carefully search for the 10 coins until she found them. It is also a responsibility that God gives us to seek out those who are lost in order to bring them back to Him. It is time for you to seek out your brother and bring him to Christ.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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