IN the fifteenth of Luke, by a series of pictures, are shown the Three Persons of the Godhead interesting themselves in the salvation of poor sinners. We cannot fail to notice in the parable of the shepherd going after the lost sheep the words, "until he find it.” And, again, in the second-the search by the woman for the lost piece of silver-the same words appear, "till she find it." These few words reveal the unwearying love of the Shepherd, and the unceasing labor of the Spirit, in seeking for and bringing back to God that which was lost.
And often do we see in real life what these parables bring before us—the triumph of love, which nothing can hinder, the intensity of the love which brought our Saviour-Shepherd into this wilderness world to find the lost and perishing sheep, and which leads the Holy Spirit to let the light of truth shine into our dark hearts.
The following true story tells us a little of this grace:— Henry was the son of Christian parents, who often lovingly spoke to him of Christ and of his soul. But, like many young men, his desire was to see more of the world, and for this reason he rejected the truth. And he went further; for one day, without saying a word to those who loved him, he left his home, “to strike out in the world for himself." When dinner-time came, Henry's seat was vacant, and the hearts of his parents were filled with fear, to which was added sorrow when they at last heard from a neighbor of the intention of their poor son.
They had this comfort, that they could leave all their trouble with God, and He, whose ears are open to His people's cry, was not slow to hear, or to show forth His power.
It was on a Saturday Henry had turned his back upon his father's house, that he might gratify his desire and enjoy the world.
While walking about the town to which he had come, Henry heard, one Sunday evening, a familiar hymn sounding from a hall, and he strayed into the building. In the course of the preaching the evangelist raised his hand and pointing where Henry was, said, "There is a man here to-night who is willingly ignorant of the truth. Oh, think what it will be to meet a God, who in love to your soul has given His beloved Son to save you from wrath, if you still close your heart to that love, and, with your eyes wide open, take sides with the enemies of God!”
Can we call that "a shot at a venture"? Was it not, rather, award and an action given by the Spirit of God to reach that poor lost one? The word of the preacher went home to Henry's heart and conscience, and at the close of the meeting he went forward to shake hands with the speaker. "Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour?" he asked. "Yes, sir," replied Henry, "I found Him right here to-night. I was the one you pointed at. I was willingly ignorant of the truth, and ran away from home so that I should not hear it, but the Lord followed me." The servant of Christ and the young believer rejoiced together, and the next day the parents' hearts were gladdened when they received the news that their son, who had been as one dead to them, was alive again; that he who had been lost, was found.
It was true that Henry had found Jesus as His Saviour, but was it not also true that the Shepherd, having lost His sheep, had gone after it until He found it? Surely it was so; in spite of the deliberate rejection of His grace, the Shepherd had set His love upon this poor soil, and the sin of His refusal brought out the more abundantly the grace and love of the Shepherd's heart, so that He followed him, and at last the lost sheep was found upon the shoulders which never weary.
And true as was the joy of the servant of Christ, and of the parents, could it equal the joy of heaven over the lost sheep when brought home with rejoicing? Had not the Saviour-Shepherd His joy in knowing that His labor was not in vain? He could rejoice over this poor soul—the sheep which had gone astray as the fruit of the travail of His soul.
We make no question as to the welcome which Henry received when he returned home, pardoned by God. But think of the welcome which awaited him— and which awaits you, returning sinner—in the Father's house. Think of the love ready to be lavished upon you, the kiss of welcome, the robe of righteousness, the ring of eternal love, the shoes of peace, and the feast of the fatted calf—the joy of the Father over you.
Dear reader, do you know what it is to rest on the shoulders of that Good Shepherd? Have you ever received the Father's welcome? If not, oh, think of the love of that Shepherd who is still seeking you! Remember that the Father is waiting to welcome you, and though you may be a great way off, He will not only welcome, but in His compassion, will come to meet you. And ere the doors which now stand open to receive you shall be closed—and closed forever—oh! arise and go to your Father, assured that in spite of the distance of that far country—in spite of the stains of travel, there is still room, there is bread enough and to spare, there is still an embrace and a kiss which may be yours. Will you receive them? W. J.