“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 KJV)
You know, there is something really peculiar about this verse. Jesus does not mention whether the lost were seeking or not. He merely identifies them as “lost”. Why is that? Jesus in the most literal sense must be “in the beginning”. It is His Holy Spirit that convicts us of sin (see John 16:7-11) as opposed to us noticing that something is wrong and that it needs repair. Not that at first glance there is any lack of what we think needs repairing. I find this peculiar because when you go fishing you want to pick a spot where the fish are biting. Where the fish are looking for the bait that you have to offer. People in desperate situations often have a short list of what they would like for a solution. It may or may not be available to them. Yet, when they connect with what they think is at least an answer; they buy in.
The Holy Spirit touches our heart with information we did not know. Information that makes us keenly aware of our guilt, insufficiency, and short comings. He first makes us aware that we are lost and naked before directing us to the answer. He seeks us that we may be able to seek Him. It makes a big difference how you come to find out that you are naked. When you find that through your own consumption you also begin to sew your own garments. When you hear God’s voice and come out of your hiding place; He can dress you.
The challenge comes when we hear His voice, refuse to listen, have a disdain for belief, and attempt to find another means of securing our future. Something a bit less risky. Something that is more main stream. It is in that moment that we find ourselves hiding our treasures in the innermost chambers (see also 1 Kings 22:25). Burying things that we ought to be investing, growing, and running a race with. There are plenty of problems happening out there. Be careful that you are listening close to God’s Spirit for which ones need your attention today.
“And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:” (Luke 19:22 KJV)