The parable of the prodigal son is where I was led this morning as I round out my study of the word “found”. I have read and been presented this parable a number of times and have had some wonderful revelations as to God’s word through each of those, and this morning is no exception.
I am to celebrate the found. I know, that may not sound like much of a revelation as when something is found, it is natural to find excitement in the realization of what was being searched. But it does go deeper than just the excitement when it comes to something being found that was lost.
The first thing to think about is was lost verses misplaced. When misplaced, there is a sense of being found once again. My demeanor and approach is a bit different as opposed to when something is lost. The item can and will be found at some point, maybe just not now. That has happened to me before with a pocket knife that I have had for over 20 years. I once misplaced it, and just replaced it with another knowing that it would eventually turn up, and it did. The replacement was adequate for what I was needing and really there was no real loss at all. I was satisfied that I had the replacement and when the original was found I was excited for sure, but I had in the back of my mind I would have it again anyway.
As for something that was lost and found, I have some baseball/softball umpiring equipment that I used in another time in my life. I went looking for it at one point as I was considering reengaging in that activity. I did not find the equipment and felt as though it was lost and frankly just gave up on it. Some time later the equipment was found under a bunch of other items in the garage as we were cleaning some things out. I felt this enormous joy as the thing I thought was gone forever was found and I was able to again pursue that which I was looking to pursue.
Now, I know comparing a pocket knife and umpiring equipment to a son, does not really equate, yet hear me out. You see, it is not the item that we are celebrating, it is the being found. The pocket knife was going to be found as I knew in the back of my mind and in my heart, that it was here somewhere, just needed to look in the right place. With the umpiring equipment, it was given up to never being found and considered gone forever. The prodigal son had left the home and was considered gone forever and yet was found. The father was not celebrating the finding of something that was given up for loss.
“32It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” — Luke 15:32 (ESV)
I have to remember to celebrate the found. Yes, there is a difference in whether misplaced or lost, although to me I have to celebrate none the less. I have reacquired that which was not here and for that I have to acknowledge and address. I have something that I did not have and in that I have to smile. I have to be like the father that had lost his son and when found, treated him like the treasure that he was when he was lost.
What is misplaced or lost in your life? Are you of any awareness of the difference? What if you do not worry with the difference and only celebrate the found?
Trevor's Thoughts 