Called to the Lost

I have three children. Though each one is different, I love each one the same. My son is boisterous and confident. My first daughter is quiet and empathetic. My youngest is funny and loving. Each one of them is unique and special to me.

But one thing will get my attention. One thing will cause one of them to become priority. 

When one of them becomes lost.

The moment I realize one of my children is lost, it creates a panic and urgency like nothing else. Suddenly I start to run, and focus on everything around me. Quickly scanning the world around me for that one lost child. And in that moment I don’t stop loving my other kids, I simply bend my attention to the one who is outside of my love and protection until they are restored.

I believe this is a glimpse into the heart of God for his kids.

In Luke 15 Jesus tells three parables communicating the heart of God for his lost children. God cares deeply for the lost.

It’s sad, but the longer you walk with Jesus, the easier it is to seclude yourself into the church and become surrounded by the saved and found. But God’s heart for the lost is not just reserved for him. It’s for us to carry too. 

When one of my kids gets lost, the other two start to panic and look around too. They know their father is deeply concerned, so they become deeply concerned. 

You are called to minister to the lost.

Action: Take time to listen and care for the lost today. Maybe it’s a co-worker or family member you need to make time for. Maybe its the homeless man you walk by each day. Pause and ask God for more of his heart for the lost.