In Luke 15 we find a three-fold parable of sin and salvation. First, there is the story of THE LOST SHEEP — (10:3-7). It turned its back on the shepherd and the peaceful fold, and wandered off into the wilderness—just like a sinner, boy or girl, man or woman, who turns his back on God, and goes forth in the paths of sin, seeking for happiness in the world, away from God. But there is no happiness there. “Sick, helpless, and ready to die,” the sheep must have perished. But the kind faithful shepherd went after it, sought it, found it, and laying it on his shoulders, brought it home. This is the work of the Saviour, of Jesus the good Shepherd. He seeks and saves the lost (Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)). Has He saved you?
THE LOST PIECE OF SILVER—(10:8-10). It fell from its place in the lady’s necklace. See the empty place, the broken link. How she missed it. It cannot return itself. It lies dead and hidden in some corner of the house, quite near, yet lost to its owner. Another picture of a sinner, lost, dead in sins (Eph. 2:11And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1)), without strength (Rom. 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)), unable to save himself. But see! the woman gets a light, takes the broom and sweeps the house until she finds it. So the Holy Spirit, by the light of the Word (Psa. 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)), seeks, convicts, and brings the sinner to Christ. Can you say, “Thou hast lifted me up”? Psalms 30:11<<A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.>> I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. (Psalm 30:1).
THE PRODIGAL SON — (vv. 11-24). Self-willed, he leaves a good home, goes to a far country, spends all, and is left alone to perish. In degradation and misery, alone among the swine, he learns that “the way of transgressors is hard.” Proverbs 13:1515Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard. (Proverbs 13:15). Brought to himself, he thinks of the plenty he left at home, remembers that his father was good to him, and decides to return. The father sees him coming, runs to meet him, embraces and kisses him, and the boy is received just as he is, in grace. The best robe is put upon him, and amid great rejoicing, he sits down at his father’s table. Sweet picture of how God welcomes the returning sinner, not casting him out, nor taking him back merely as a servant, but receiving him into all the privileges and honors of a son. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:11Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1).
THE ELDER BROTHER — (vv. 25-32). He who was in the field and hears all the music and rejoicing, is angry, will not go in, speaks evil of his brother, says hard things of his father, and tells a long story of his own goodness. He is like the self-righteous, who “never do any harm,” so they say, who don’t feel they need salvation, reject grace and perish. May this not be you, dear reader.
ML 05/12/1968