Lost and Found

This past weekend, my neighborhood had a block party. I love block parties. They are such a fun way for a community of people to get together and enjoy one another’s company. However, sometimes things can get a little squirrely. Our squirreliness came when one little boy decided to go on an adventure.

While playing in a small patch of woods, he decided to walk along a little creek without anyone knowing. What was amazing, though, was how the community immediately took action. Adults and older children began looking and calling out his name. Because of the diligence and intentionality of the community’s response, the little boy was found. He was covered in some burrs and scratches, but he was safe now that he was back with his parents.

As all of this was unfolding, I could not help but see Christ, the gospel, and the mission of the church being played out before my eyes.

Matthew 18 and Luke 15 both give witness to the parable of the Lost Sheep. In the parable, a shepherd has 100 sheep and notices that one is missing. He leaves the 99 to go after the one that has wandered away. Upon finding the sheep and bringing it back to the fold, he rejoices greatly. Jesus uses this picture to show the joy of heaven when a sinner repents and is rescued through faith in Christ and His gospel.

The gospel is amazing, is it not? Christ, the Good Shepherd, chose to step out of heaven and live among us. He calls His sheep by name and lays down His life to save us from our sin and separation from Him (John 10:3, 11). Furthermore, once we put our faith and trust in Him, He invites us to join Him in His mission to share the gospel with others who are lost and in need of a Savior (Matthew 28:18–20).

I, for one, am glad that Christ sought me and saved me. My prayer is that Christ has found you too. If not, maybe you reading this is His way of finding you.

Know this: we were all lost and dead in our sins and trespasses. But Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came and, through His life, death, and resurrection, saved us from death to life. When we believe His gospel, we get to join Him in His work of seeking those who are lost and sharing the good news of salvation with them.

Just like my neighborhood did to find that little boy.

I pray that you put your faith in Christ and join the Church—all believers—in the mission of sharing the gospel with others. For there truly is no greater joy than celebrating someone who was lost but now is found!

For His Glory,
Austin Strange