Luke 15 records Jesus' teaching on the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Two things stand out that are not often mentioned when discussing these parables.
Firstly, the lost sheep and lost coin are searched for until they are found. Their owners do not give up the search until the sheep and coin are found and returned to their rightful place in the flock or in the owner's purse.
The case for the lost son is a little different, since he had a decision-making ability. The father was waiting and watching for his son's return, and ready to welcome him in true fatherly fashion, knowing that eventually he would make a comparison between his pig sty living conditions and those in his well-to-do family estate.
In each case the story doesn't end until the lost are returned and restored.
Secondly, each lost one was still of the same value as before it was lost.
The coin still had its original currency value, and the image of the emperor still engraved on it.
The lost sheep was still a sheep; it had not become something else, and comfortably fitted back into the flock (maybe after some cleaning up).
The lost son was still a son, as the father declared most emphatically - "this son of mine was dead and is alive again".
Since God is the Saviour of the world,
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10 NIV]
and Jesus the reconciler of all,
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19 -20 NIV]
and Jesus promises to draw everyone to himself,
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
[John 12 : 32 NIV]
I can't imagine God being less successful than the humans (shepherd, woman and father) in Jesus' parables.
Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au
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