July 11

Seeking Lost Souls

Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost....Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. — Luke 15:6-7

Our Lord sought the proximity of sinners, not because there was any affinity between His character and theirs, but because He desired to bring them back from the far country into which they had wandered. The straying sheep heedlessly nibbles at the grass which lies immediately in front, and so crops its way until it has wandered a great distance from the shepherd, and the rest of the flock.

Is this a picture of your life? Have you lived only for personal gratification, drifting in thoughtlessness and unconsciousness of the dangers which threaten to destroy you? Then remember, that though you care not for yourself, your condition is stirring the deepest solicitude in the heart of Christ. Probably you will never find your way back to Him, but Christ is on your track, and He will not relinquish his quest until He has come just where you are, and has extricated you from the rocks on which you have fallen, or from the thorns in which you are entangled.

The lost coin bears the image and superscription of the sovereign, once clear-cut by the mint, but it lies unused, tarnished and perhaps defaced, amidst the dust of the corner, or the chink of the floor. Its owner sweeps, ransacks, and explores every possible hiding-place until it is found. How aptly that lost coin represents the soul of man, made in the image of God, lying amid the dust of sin. The one hope for the sinner is the anxiety in the heart of God, who leaves no stone unturned that He may win us back. There is disturbance and removal, and the house of life is upset in every part, for no other reason than that we should be recovered.

Prayer

Halts by me that footfall:
Is my gloom, after all,
Shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly?
He, fondest, blindest, weakest,
I am He Whom thou seekest!
Thou drawest love from thee, who drawest Me.
Alack, thou knowest not
How little worthy of any love thou art!
Whom will thou find to love ignoble thee
Save Me, save only Me?
Rise, clasp My hand, and come! AMEN.