A Father's Heart for His Lost Child

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" Luke 15:4

In the early hours of the morning, as others slept, time stood still for us.   Seconds ticking more like hours, we sat side-by-side on our sofa, staring at the white walls of our living room, our souls in deep anguish.  The lights of our home burned brightly in case, just in case he came home.

Our boy was lost.

Hours before, our 14 year old boy went missing.

A lost son is an agonizing weight to bear.

When he first went missing, his father, went into a warrior-like mode with deep intensity and determined focus.  He was on a mission:  he was going to find his boy.

Other people searched diligently, but the heart of the boy's father was set on finding him, as though nothing else mattered.

While others slept in the early hours of the morning, he was out again, combing the streets, looking for his boy.

23 hours after the search had begun, he got a call.  His boy had been found.   His heart flooded with relief and joy.  He stood on the front porch waiting.  Waiting for his boy.

As the vehicle with his boy drove up, I asked, "What do we do now?"

The boy's father's words trailed behind him as he sprinted toward the vehicle, "What do you mean, what do we do...?"

As his boy stepped out of the vehicle, he fell at his feet, sobbing and hugging his boy. His boy had come home.

He was lost and now he was found.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and embraced him and kissed him." Luke 15:20

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This is a true story of events that happened in our family four years ago.  With gratitude, we see this as part of the Lord's redemption plan in us as individuals and a family.  We could never express our gratitude for the countless people who searched diligently alongside us and those who ministered to us through presence and prayer.  We are so grateful for one man's obedience when called by the Lord to go search, he went.  He was the one who found our son.

For Jim and I, the image of a father's heart for his lost child, has been etched on the tablet of our hearts.  We have a clearer picture today for the Father's love for us because of this.

To have just a glimpse of God's heart for his lost child is a true gift.

Are you lost?  Could your Father be pursuing you?  Unlike us, He knows where you are.    
To read about a story similar to this in God's Word, read this:  Luke 15:11-24.  Find yourself in the story.  See the Father's heart for his lost child.  He's not pursuing you to hurt or condemn you.  He's pursuing you to get you home, to Him, where you belong.