Student Devotional Week 30: Lost & Found

Luke 19:10 (New International Version)
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

The parable of the prodigal or lost son is one of the most familiar stories of all time. It shows how unconditional God's love is for us, no strings attached! Think about the worst thing you have done and then think about a heavenly father that simply doesn't care about what we have done or where we have been, He simply rejoices when we finally come home and accept Christ into our hearts. The interesting character in this parable is the good son. Maybe you are one of two or more siblings and you know what it feels like to do all the right things and never get rewarded for your good behavior. God is already pleased by your good practices, but he rejoices in the lost son because he too has now been brought back home and in good favor with God the father in this parable. It is hard not be jealous of those who seem to get all the breaks in life while you do all the hard work being the good faithful servant. God wants our hearts to break for the lost, not to be jealous of their freedom to do as they please. The Apostle Paul puts it this one, "Everything is permissable, but not everything is benificial to you." In other words we are free to make choices, but they all have consequences both good and bad. Be thankful you haven't had to face as many hardships as others and if you are one that is facing hardships know that you are not that far away from home!