Psalm 23:1–3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Podcast: Shepherd’s Pursuit

ABSTRACT

This article explores the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15:1–10, highlighting God’s relentless pursuit, restorative joy, and the infinite worth of every soul. Through Scripture, inspired writings, and personal testimony, it emphasizes divine love, heaven’s celebration over repentance, and our responsibility to reflect God’s grace by seeking, supporting, and restoring others.

EXCITING TALE OF DIVINE PURSUIT AND RESTORATION!

Have you ever felt lost, searching for meaning or direction? The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15:1–10 offer a profound glimpse into God’s relentless love and His desire for restoration. These parables resonate with universal human emotions—spiritual disconnection, guilt, and the longing to be found. Through Scripture and inspired writings, we explore themes of divine pursuit, restoration, and the worth of every soul, while reflecting on our responsibilities to God, our neighbor, and the church. Psalm 23:1–3 summarizes this concept: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

GOD’S UNYIELDING QUEST FOR THE LOST

The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4) highlights God’s unyielding pursuit of every soul. The shepherd braves danger, darkness, and rough terrain to rescue the one sheep that strays. Jesus’ actions mirror this, as He left the safety of heaven to seek us. The inspired writings underscore this determination: “The darker and more tempestuous the night, and the more perilous the way, the greater is the shepherd’s anxiety, and the more earnest his search” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 188, 1900). I recall feeling spiritually adrift, like a sheep separated from its flock. But God’s pursuit became evident through people He placed in my life—my uncle, who taught me about the second angel’s message, and friends who encouraged my faith. These weren’t coincidences; they were divine interventions. Isaiah 53:5 reminds us, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” Christ’s pursuit of us, even at great personal cost, illustrates the immeasurable worth He places on every soul. Psalm 34:18 declares, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Likewise, Jeremiah 31:3 affirms, “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” The inspired writings further emphasize this pursuit: “The Shepherd of Israel does not forsake His flock, but follows the straying sheep until He finds them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 191, 1890). Moreover, it is written, “The Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 475, 1889). God’s relentless love ensures no soul is beyond His reach.

HEAVEN’S JUBILANT RESTORATION

When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he rejoices, carrying it home with tender care (Luke 15:5–6). This tender imagery shows God’s grace, as He seeks to restore, not condemn. The inspired writings describe heaven’s joy: “With rejoicing he bears it back to the fold. His gratitude finds expression in melodious songs of rejoicing” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 189, 1900). As a church, are we celebrating restoration as heaven does? Practices like disfellowship often raise questions about whether we are reflecting Christ’s love. My return to the church after 15 years away following a divorce was met with God’s reassurance and the church community’s support. Luke 15:7 declares, “Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” This heavenly joy challenges us to embrace restoration as a communal celebration. Zephaniah 3:17 states, “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Similarly, Isaiah 62:5 proclaims, “As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” The inspired writings further note, “The angels of God are watching with intense interest to see how man will deal with his fellow man” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 264, 1902). Additionally, it is written, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (The Desire of Ages, p. 693, 1898). Heaven’s joy over restored souls calls us to mirror this celebration in our communities.

EVERY SOUL’S INFINITE VALUE

The parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8–9) demonstrates the meticulous care with which God seeks us. The woman’s diligent search reflects the value of a single soul. The inspired writings draw attention to this truth: “If there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for that one” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 187, 1900). In my personal struggles with anxiety, I found peace in Scripture. God’s Word reminded me of my worth, and through study, I experienced His restorative love. Isaiah 8:18 declares, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and wonders.” This verse affirms that every person is a reflection of God’s handiwork, and His pursuit of us is a testament to His infinite love. Psalm 139:14 states, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Likewise, Matthew 10:31 assures, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” The inspired writings further affirm, “Every soul is precious in the sight of God, because it has been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 280, 1900). Moreover, it is written, “The value of a soul, who can estimate? Would you know its worth, go to the cross, and there learn its price” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 163, 1905). God’s meticulous care underscores the infinite worth of every individual.

REFLECTING GOD’S SACRIFICIAL LOVE

The concepts in these parables illustrate God’s sacrificial love. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” The inspired writings ask us to consider Christ’s suffering to grasp the worth of a soul: “Would you know its worth, go to Gethsemane, and there watch with Christ through those hours of anguish” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 196, 1900). Reflecting on my experiences, I have seen God’s love through trials and restoration. When I ministered to a friend battling addiction, it wasn’t my effort but God’s work through me that led them closer to Him. We are called to be instruments of His love, bearing others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2) and celebrating their spiritual recovery. 1 John 4:11 declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” Similarly, Romans 5:8 affirms, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The inspired writings note, “The love of Christ constrains us to love one another as He has loved us” (The Desire of Ages, p. 815, 1898). Additionally, it is written, “We are to be channels through which the love of Christ may flow to others” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 31, 1909). By reflecting God’s love, we become vessels of His grace to others.

A THRILLING CALL TO ACTION

The parables of the lost sheep and coin challenge us to reflect God’s relentless love in our lives. Are we seeking the lost? Are we celebrating restoration as heaven does? The inspired writings remind us: “We must bear patiently with the ignorance, perversity, and waywardness of others” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 197, 1900). As a church and individuals, we must embody the Shepherd’s heart, laboring for the restoration of every soul. By seeking, supporting, and rejoicing over the lost, we fulfill our calling to demonstrate God’s love in action. Matthew 5:16 commands, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Likewise, James 2:17 declares, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” The inspired writings further urge, “We are to be laborers together with God in seeking the lost” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 18, 1904). Moreover, it is written, “Every opportunity to help a brother in need, or to aid the cause of God, is a pearl of great price” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 205, 1905). Our calling is to actively reflect God’s love through service and restoration.

MARVELOUS CONCLUSION OF GRACE

Through the parables, we see a God who pursues us with infinite love and joyfully restores us to His fold. The inspired writings proclaim, “Heaven itself was imperiled for our redemption” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 196, 1900). This truth invites us to reflect His example by seeking the lost, celebrating their restoration, and bearing one another’s burdens. Let us commit to being instruments of His grace, so all may experience the joy of being found. 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:18 affirms, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” The inspired writings note, “The work of God in the earth is to reflect His character of love and mercy” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). Furthermore, it is written, “The restoration of the image of God in man is the work of redemption” (Education, p. 15, 1903). Let us embrace our role as ambassadors of God’s restorative love.