Lost sheep...lost coin...lost opportunities!

Among the themes of Luke 15:1-10 we find the 'seeking' God and the idea that the loss of just one spoils the beauty and completeness of the whole. Factors we should keep in mind when wondering where God may be in a given situation or when deciding whether or not to continue working with someone whom God has brought into our life. Just as the shepherd and the woman in our stories never gave up looking for that which was lost until it was found so God continues to come for us...seeking us out...never surrendering to despair or hopelessness. The thought also of the how the loss of one affects the whole helps prevent us from placing ourselves in judgment over others. For every person we exclude from the kingdom takes away from the kingdom. It seems that there is a good argument for being inclusive rather than exclusive.