“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
Understanding Our Lost State
We often experience times in our lives when we feel completely lost, not knowing where to turn for guidance or support. The Bible is clear about our state without Christ. We are reminded that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This realization can lead us to understand our need for salvation and the love that God has for us, even when we stray away.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:1
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” – Ephesians 2:1
Isaiah 53:6
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.” – Isaiah 53:6
Luke 15:24
“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” – Luke 15:24
1 Peter 2:25
“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:25
God’s Love for the Lost
We should always remember that no matter how lost we may feel, God’s love for us is unchanging and everlasting. He actively seeks us out and desires for us to be connected back to Him. His arms are always wide open to welcome us, reinforcing that love and compassion are core attributes of His divine nature.
Luke 15:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Matthew 18:12
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go look for the one that wandered off?” – Matthew 18:12
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
The Promise of Restoration
We can rejoice in the promise of restoration and new life through our encounters with Christ. When we admit our lostness and turn to Him, we have the assurance that He will restore us to a state of grace and mercy. We are never too far gone for God’s redemptive power.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
Psalms 30:2
“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” – Psalms 30:2
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” – Joel 2:25
Psalms 23:3
“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” – Psalms 23:3
The Joy of Being Found
There is nothing quite like the joy that comes from knowing we are found by God. It obliterates the feeling of loneliness and despair. This joy strengthens our hearts and draws us closer to Him, igniting in us a passion to share that joy with others who may also feel lost.
Psalms 32:1
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” – Psalms 32:1
Luke 15:6
“And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’” – Luke 15:6
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
John 10:9
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9
Isaiah 43:1
“But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
Our Role in Helping the Lost
We are called to share the Good News of Christ with others who may be lost. As believers, it is our responsibility to extend the same grace and love we received from God to those around us. Helping those who feel lost can bring us closer together as a community of faith.
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
James 5:19-20
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” – Luke 4:18
Celebrating the Found
When someone transitions from being lost to being found, it’s a moment for celebration! In God’s kingdom, every believer has a story of how God found them. These stories can bind us together as a family of faith, uplifting us and encouraging us to carry that same light to the world.
Luke 15:7
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7
Psalms 126:3
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalms 126:3
1 Corinthians 15:57
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Final Thoughts
Being lost can be a painful experience, but the beautiful truth is that God is always seeking each one of us. Whether we have strayed far or feel overwhelmed in life’s struggles, God reminds us that He is constantly working to bring us back into His grace. We can stand firm in the assurance that we are never beyond His reach.
As we reflect on these verses, let’s remember that we have a role to play in helping others find their way. Let us share our testimonies and the love we’ve received from Jesus with those who are currently feeling lost. It is our duty and privilege to carry that light into the lives of others, rejoicing in their journeys from lost to found.
If you’re interested in exploring further topics, consider reading more about lost souls or how Jesus saves us from our sins.