Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
It is good to bear in mind the fundamental reason for God sending “His only begotten Son.” John 3:16 says, in so many words, that mankind was hopelessly LOST and doomed to “perish” apart from this remarkable display of God’s love. Jesus says the same thing in different terms in Luke 19:10 that “the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was LOST.” The very sound of the word LOST has a chilling ring to it in the Biblical sense. And it’s supposed to. It is this LOST condition of man that is the theme of Luke 15. Jesus presents this profound truth with three different story pictures. First is the illustration of a shepherd seeking and finding his LOST sheep. Then we are told of a woman seeking and finding a LOST coin. Tomorrow’s reading presents the illustration of a father being reconciled to a LOST son. In each case, that which was LOST was something very valuable to the owner and generated great rejoicing when found. Self-righteous Pharisees and natural earthlings, however, don’t seem to get the picture, partly because they just don’t like a picture that requires abandonment of SELF. (Make sure you read carefully the first part of this reading—14:25-35.) But there is no other way to legitimately interpret the main message here (that follows through the entire body of scripture) that we all are valuable in the view of our Maker, yet hopelessly LOST without Christ as Savior and the redeeming love of God.
If the LOST condition of mankind is truly at the center of the heart of God, you can rest assured that it is His desire that it also be at the center of the heart of all true members of the Family of God. Let’s maintain our evangelistic perspective and be reminded that MEN WITHOUT CHRIST ARE LOST—hopelessly and eternally. Let that basic New Testament truth sink down deep into our world view and saturate our vision. Don’t let it evaporate. Because, “Where there is no vision (of this sort) people perish” (Proverbs 29:18)
PS: Rather than encumber the composition above with more ideas, I’ve decided to add this little post script. I’m inspired with stating the basics again—presenting the two categories (polarities) of the universe—the LOST and the FOUND (SAVED) theme of the Bible. There are only TWO kingdoms at large in this large universe—and humans are faced with option of being subjects of only ONE—one or the other. By default they are automatic members of the LOST kingdom. But by decision (in response to an invitation of Amazing Grace) they can become members of the FOUND Kingdom—the Kingdom that wins.
LOST- Default setting of mankind. Dead in trespasses and sins. Blind to their own condition before their Holy Maker. The idea of repentance and surrendering one’s life to God is stupid. Cause mourning to the heart of God…and the angels of heaven.
FOUND- Decision option of mankind. Born again—made alive in Christ. Illumination and enlightenment by the Holy Spirit. Repentance and surrendering one’s life to God is not just urgent but reasonable. Cause joy to the heart of God…and an eruption of celebration among the angels of heaven.
Homework assignment (for extra credit—smile): Attach supportive scripture references to these statements.