The Lost Among Believers

Luke 15:3-32

I had always considered this set of parables as referring to non-believers, those who did not yet know Him. However, I come to believe that is not the case at all.
Take a moment and read these 3 stories again. The sheep was among the shepherd’s flock and got lost. The woman lost a coin that was already in her possession. The lost son was a SON. What is my point? I believe these parables are NOT about the lost that have never known Him, but are about believers who have lost their way. In my understanding,  I see three different ways that one becomes lost, a different way in each parable.

• The Lost Sheep – The Sheep goes astray because it takes its eyes off of the shepherd and begins looking around at all the briers of the wilderness of circumstance. Thus, wandering off into those very thorns and briers. We see another example of this when Peter was walking on the water.  As long as his eyes were on Jesus, he was fine, but when he started looking at the waves he started to sink. 
• The Lost Coin – The coin is like those that are subtly drawn away by the wiles of just striving to make enough and have enough. Truly, as scripture says no one can serve 2 masters, both God and the pursuit of money. 
• The Prodigal Son – Where the first two are subtle and not necessarily intentional slipping away, the prodigal son walks away of his own free will. He rebelliously believes that he does not his father or his ways. But as scripture says, ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.’ Proverbs 14:12

Thankfully we can be assured that while we are still wandering around lost, hopeless and broken in our sin, He is calling for us to repent and come back to Him. Look at what He said to them Church at Laodicea – 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:19-20

Look again at the story of the lost son. What happened when the lost son repented? The Father ran out to him, he celebrated and rejoiced over his return and ultimately restored him, just as if he had never been lost in the first place. Similarly, throughout the scriptures we see this very concept promised for all who sin and repent. 

 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

[18] Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. [19] He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.  Micah 7:18-19
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: [3] Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,  Psalms 103:2-3

My dear friends,  I hope and pray that you will take the time and examine yourself, let the Holy Spirit shine the light of truth on every closet and corner of your heart. I urge you to repent and RUN back to the Father. Receive his compassion, grace and love. Let Him restore and heal what the enemy has stolen.