“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, `Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
(Luke 15:8-10)
Reflection:
Within a couple of years of our marriage, my wife and I were on holiday at a hotel on the beach. After dinner one evening we went down for a swim in the rock pool, and then walked up the beach in the fresh, starlit night. On our way back my wife exclaimed suddenly ‘My rings!” and stopped. She had felt both the engagement and wedding rings slip from her cool and wet finger. We took a few paces backwards and stooped to look, but found nothing. Even after we had fetched a torch it did not help as all the beach sand sparkled in its light. Eventually, we drew a big circle in the sand, marked it with some clothing, and determined to come down again early in the morning to continue our search. This we did, only to find that the fishermen had beaten us, and walked through our circle with deep footsteps.
However, we began our hunt, praying for God’s help. After a couple of hours the beach tearoom opened and we paused for a drink and a sandwich, before continuing. The hours passed without success until, just on five hours after we had started, my wife found the engagement ring under the sand. Well, we were overjoyed! With aching back, I suggested that we called it a day, as that was the more valuable of the two! Bending down to pick up a mineral bottle that had fallen over, I saw a faint glimmer just in front of the mouth. Investigating a sparkle for the umpteenth time, I unearthed the wedding ring as well. Our joy knew no bounds, and we knelt in the sand and thanked God for His blessing and help. I was particularly thrilled as, apart from their emotional value, the rings were not insured!
So when I read the story of the woman who had lost one of the coins in her wedding headdress, I understand something of what she must have felt. I also appreciate just a little of what God is saying about there being an emotional celebration in heaven when a lost jewel of a person is ‘found’ again.
Thank God, that we are worth so much more to Him than a coin or a couple of rings – and that He went to so much trouble to find and restore us to our intended place in His love. And, with that, I am overwhelmed and humbled that God cares so very much for me that He would celebrate my being restored to Him. I don’t rate me anything like that.
Response:
Who are you in God’s eyes and heart?
Prayer:
Father, please help me to believe more of the truth and depth of Your love for me – and in the security of Jesus as my Saviour to know that you will never lose nor forsake me. Amen.
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