The Lost Coin

Luke 15:8-10

"... what woman having drachmas, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?"

"...when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, "Rejoice with me.  I have found the piece which I lost (apolesa)."

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner (harmartolo) that repenteth."

A crowd drew near the Iesous to hear with the ears of the mind (heart).  And as he spoke to those who wanted his redemptive word critics drew near too who maligned the Iesous and said to the crowd, "This man receiveth sinners and eats with them."

The parable of the lost drachmas was one of three parables given on this occasion.

Please note that the woman had lost one of her drachmas.  It was a precious monetary unit of value.  It was a piece of silver to be used to support her livelihood.  She, therefore lit a candle, and then swept the house anxiously and diligently in an effort to recover her lost coin.  Her efforts 'paid' off and she recovered the lost drachma.  She called her friends and engaged them to join her in celebration. 

The Iesous then stated, "Likewise, or in this manner, there is joy in the presence of the angles of God over one sinner that repenteth."

The poignant 'likewise' represents the transition of the parable from the mundane to the realm of spiritual wisdom.  The words 'lose' and 'lost' are key in this parable and denotes not something that was merely misplaced, but something that was 'destroyed' by being lost.  In other words, the lost one stamped, as it were, with the divine image (imago dei) is out of place and therefore ruined until restored to its rightful place - with the Creator - Iesous.

Until you, the coin, is returned, you are "lying lost, useless, and unaware of your worth."

You may feel right now that no one values you because you have believed lies about your value.  Maybe you have believed the word of critics.  You may say, "I was lost through sexual abuse."  "I was lost through verbal abuse."  Or, "I was lost when I was abandoned by loved ones."  Maybe you were lost through drug or alchola abuse.  

Know this truth, above the controlling lies of the critics, the lies we have believed about ourselves, the Iesous loves you and values you.  He receives all who will allow his word to become the healing agent within.

For more information about Dr. Josiah Rich, please visit his web site.