When you hear the three words "lost and found," what do you normally think of? Probably about a place where people can go to claim personal articles that they have lost. Did you know that the Bible has its own "lost and found" chapter? It does, indeed – Luke 15.

In Luke 15 we find three stories that Jesus told. They were powerful parables which made plain points. In order, the stories that Jesus brilliantly told were about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In the case of the lost sheep, 1 out of 100 sheep was lost. In the instance of the coin, 1 out of 10 was lost. Finally, in the well-beloved parable that many label as the parable of "the Prodigal Son," 1 out of 2 sons was lost.

The good news, though, is that the stories do not end with the animal, money, and person remaining lost. No, in each instance that which was lost was eventually found. The happy shepherd said, "Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost" (15:6). The excited woman proclaimed, "Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost" (15:9). And, the exuberant father whose son came home said, "Let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found" (15:23,24).

Each of these three parables makes us smile. They are all easy to read and remember. But what’s the point? First, it is horrible to be lost in sin, but it is great to be found and saved by the Savior. Second, God cares for and loves every person, regardless of what they have done in the past. Third, God will accept anyone that comes to Him on His terms. Remember, we find God’s terms for the salvation of our soul in the Bible, and no place else.

-- Roger D. Campbell