In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15 we have three stories told by Jesus. Most people know them as the parable of the lost sheep, then the lost coin and the final story is about the lost son. Three stories, three parables of Jesus, that are meant to teach and illustrate for us a greater Kingdom truth.
In the second story, right there in the middle of these incredible teaching moments of Jesus, we get “The Parable of the Lost Coin.” Starting in verse 8 of Luke 15 it says: “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’” (vv. 8-9)
Whether it is your wallet, your keys, or some important document... when we lose something we value, we go all out to find it. Especially if we have never actually had it yet, but know we need it – that we are missing without it.
So, when we go out to search and find what was missing, we usually have the same response that this woman did over the coin: we rejoice. And we often we want to show or tell those around us the joy we have in finding what was lost.
The coin had value and once it was found, it brought great joy.
Luke 15 finishes this teaching moment of Jesus in verse 10, by saying: “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” And as disciples of Christ, we are to carry the joy of our salvation everywhere we go. We are to reflect Godly joy in all circumstances. And we can, not because we are able and strong in and of ourselves, but because God is mighty to save, and the Holy Spirit of God provides us this joy as we are centered on the Lord and abide in his plans.
The story of the lost coin teaches two important truths. First, there is joy found in anyone turning from their dead-end sinful life, and to Christ as their Lord and Savior. Secondly, those who already have a right relationship with God need to display in their thoughts and actions the joy of their salvation.
This gives us two clear implications as Disciples of Christ.
One, if we belong to God, then we are called to represent him to a world without him. 2 Corinthians 5:20 makes it clear, when it says: "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “‘Come back to God!’” Does your heart seek to glorify God daily, grow in his revealed and holy word consistently, and are you purposeful in pointing those around you to greatest joy that can be found: eternity with God?
Second, if we belong to God, then we must live in such a different way that the waiting and watching world all around us can see the power and grace of the Lord on display in our lives. 2 Corinthians 2:14 calls it our aroma, when it says: “But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.”
There is joy in the house of the Lord. Why? Because he sent his one and only son to die on the cross, a sinner’s death, that we deserved. He did this with joy, for us, knowing it would be our salvation. The truths within the parable of the lost coin and the implications for us as followers of the Lord is clear.
How will you respond to what the Holy Spirit of God is illuminating your heart with today? Prayerfully consider how you can grow in your reflection of godly joy and purposefully guard yourself from those things in this world that want to rob you of, or cheat you out of, this joy that is found in God. Stay centered on him and the holy word of God, by remaining surrendered with your thoughts and emotions to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Seek the Lord, ask him to open your heart only to the things of him instead of the things of the world. And ask God to make you his transporter of joy, reflecting God’s joy.
Nick Emery is lead pastor at Hope Crossing Community Church.
