A Heart for the Lost: Luke 15

In our continued journey through The Heart of the King series, Pastor Dave led us into Luke 15—one of the most powerful glimpses we get into God's heart for the lost. Across three parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son—Jesus doesn’t just tell us that God cares for the lost; He shows us the relentless pursuit, the deep compassion, and the overwhelming joy that defines the heart of the Father.

Pastor Dave opened with a relatable story about losing his wallet—and the surge of relief and joy when it was found. How much greater, he asked, is the joy when it’s not a wallet that’s recovered, but a wandering soul brought home to God? In Luke 15, we see that God isn’t passive when people stray. He doesn't wait from a distance or demand that we find our own way back. God searches. He pursues. He enters the mess and the brokenness to bring His children home.

The parable of the lost sheep shows us a Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one. The parable of the lost coin reveals a woman who turns her house upside down in determined pursuit. The parable of the lost son paints a picture of a Father who runs to meet his returning child, arms wide open with compassion, not condemnation. In each story, the message is the same: God's pursuit is personal, determined, and filled with joy.

Pastor Dave connected these stories to God's promises in Ezekiel 34, where God declares, "I myself will search for my sheep." God doesn't delegate the search. He enters into the storm, into the darkness, and rescues His people personally. And Jesus, standing before the Pharisees, boldly declares through these parables that He is the fulfillment of that promise.

At the heart of all three stories is joy. The shepherd calls his friends to rejoice. The woman throws a celebration. The father prepares a feast. Heaven itself rejoices over even one sinner who repents. God’s heart is not filled with resentment over what was lost, but with joy over what is found.

This message challenges us deeply. As Pastor Dave pointed out, if we have experienced being found by God, we are now called to reflect His heart. A heart that doesn't write people off, but seeks them out. A heart that doesn't condemn the wandering, but welcomes them home with joy. A heart that recognizes that the mission of the church is not self-preservation—it is the proclamation of the Gospel to the lost.

There are people around us, Pastor Dave reminded us, right here in our own community, still searching for meaning, hope, and belonging. If the heart of our King is to seek and to save, then our hearts must beat in rhythm with His.

The invitation before us this Lent is simple but costly: Will we have a heart for the lost? Will we pursue others with the same relentless, joyful love that God has shown us?
The Shepherd is still searching. The Father is still running to meet the lost.
Will we be part of the celebration?