Who’s Your One?

Week 1 – The Heart of the Father

Luke 15:1–10

Have you ever noticed how we naturally categorize people?

We divide people into groups all the time—young and old, rich and poor, Republican and Democrat, black and white, introvert and extrovert. It’s how we make sense of the world around us.

But when it comes to eternity, the Bible ultimately places every person into only two categories:

* Lost

* Found

Those are the only two categories that matter forever.

In Luke 15, Jesus was criticized because He welcomed “tax collectors and sinners.” The religious leaders couldn’t understand why someone who claimed to be from God would spend time with people like that.

Instead of arguing with them, Jesus told two simple stories—a lost sheep and a lost coin. Through those stories, He revealed the heart of the Father.

When we hear the word lost, we often think of something small. Maybe you’ve lost your keys or the TV remote. It’s frustrating, but eventually you’ll either find it or replace it.

But imagine losing your child.

Years ago, my son wandered away from me in a store. It only lasted a few moments, but those moments felt like an eternity. My heart raced. My mind immediately imagined the worst. Nothing else mattered until I found him.

That’s the kind of urgency Jesus wants us to picture.

To be lost isn’t simply to be confused. It’s to be separated from God.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 3:23

Every one of us began life in that same condition. Every Christian has a “before Christ” story.

Jesus tells us about a shepherd who notices one sheep is missing. Out of one hundred sheep, only one has wandered away—but that one matters. The shepherd searches until he finds it, and when he does, he joyfully carries it home on his shoulders.

Then He tells the story of a woman who loses a valuable silver coin. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it.

God pursues what is lost.

He doesn’t wait for people to find their way back to Him. He lovingly seeks them.

And when they are found, heaven celebrates.

“There is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:10

Think about that.

Heaven doesn’t erupt in celebration over buildings, budgets, or attendance records.

Heaven rejoices over one life changed by the grace of God.

As followers of Jesus, we should celebrate what heaven celebrates.

This week, I want to challenge you to begin praying a simple prayer:

“Lord, give me Your heart for people who are far from You. Show me who my one is.”

Don’t rush to choose someone.

Ask God to place one specific person on your heart.

If you have been found, you have a responsibility to help others be found. We call that the great commission. It’s not a suggestion it’s a command. And we should have the urgency and the heart that God has for those who are lost. And if you want to start making an impact in this world for God, don’t start by trying to change the masses. Start with one.

Because God has always changed the world… one life at a time.