The Third Example, in Luke 15 is the lost coin. The coin is lost due to no fault of its own. This coin represents the child, who has been dropped through the cracks by parents who were careless or just didn't care. Abused, kicked, tossed around, until one day that coin is just not there to be found.
According to the research and survey of 11,000 lost children by The Children's Society and the University of New York, two thirds of the 11,000 children between the ages of 14 & 16 say their parents or care-givers did not report them missing to the police.
If you happen to be one of these who were dropped through the cracks due to no fault of your own, it may be very difficult for you to believe that God loves you and sent Jesus to search for you. Difficult as it may be please keep your heart and mind open to the words God wrote for you.
I remember a counselor once sharing a very unique demonstration in a small group. The facilitator had laid out several stones, each a different size, shape and color. He had asked each person to choose a rock. As we observed our rock, he asked each to describe what was it that caused us to select that particular rock.
While he examined his stone he explained that it was actually the crack that he was drawn to. As we took turns looking at each other's selection we notice each one had a crack. Though each stone was a different shape, size and color, each stone had cracks. Some small, some large; while one had multiple small cracks. It was actually the cracks that made all the stones alike.
Some in the group never noticed the cracks (until they were pointed out later). They had chosen their rock based on the unique shape, or the color. It was obvious at that point to my friend that it was the brokenness that we all had in common. It was the common denominator. It is our brokenness that makes us the same.
We like to focus on our colors and shapes and hide our brokenness. Why should we attempt to disguise or hide our brokenness? Many will put up a wall of indifference and play 'tough.' Some withdraw and hide in their work, their activities, or their home. It is normal behavior to avoid anything, or anyone, that would poke into our sensitive wounds. Bring them to Jesus. He is a gentle healer of brokeness. Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
John 10:10 I have come that you might have a real life and one that is abundant.
If you want to find Jesus, (and you are one of the lost ones) He is no doubt closer than you think. He is most often found among the broken and homeless. They are seldom hiding behind false faces and white washed walls. In John 4 He tells us He is looking for those who will come to Him in spirit and in Truth!. He speaks to you now, Revelation 3:20 from His word, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, If you will open that door I will come in and be your friend.
You are never too broken for God. God is there, go ahead and show him your wounds and invite him to touch you.
Read Isaiah 53:1-7 then Isaiah 61:1-3
Receiving Him now as He calls to you will not be a magic cure but it will be the beginning of healing and comfort this world can never give you. And it makes you a child of His and opens the door of access to His Throne Room.
1 John 1:9 ; John 1:12
He is real and He is a rewarder of all who deligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 ; Matthew 7:8
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