The Great Parable (Luke 15)

THE LOST COIN

As the Saviour is set forth as the Shepherd in the first part of the great parable, so we judge the Holy Spirit's activities are revealed in the second part. Let us note (a) a lamp is lit; (b) the house is swept; (c) there is a diligent search until the lost coin is found, then (d) joy is shared with friends and neighbours.

The lighting of the lamp causes us to think of the lamp the holy Scriptures. The Psalmist says,

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,

And light unto my path" (Psalm 119. 105). And Solomon adds,

"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light"

(Proverbs 6.28).

But the lamp of God's word needs to be lit, and He who lights the lamp is the blessed Holy Spirit of God, Paul tells us, "the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God": and, "unto us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things yea, the deep things of God "(1 Corinthians 2.10, 11). Then the Lord' Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, " He shall glorify Me: for He shall take of Mine, and shall declare it unto you" (John 16.14). These are just a few passages which indicate how dependent on the blessed Holy Spirit we are, for it is only as He lights the lamp that we enjoy the blessing of Psalm 36.9,

"In Thy light shall we see light."

Then we are told that, "The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20.27). The Holy Spirit also lights this lamp. He "beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God" (Romans 8.16). It is through our spirit that God deals with us.

The house is swept. Not only is the light brought, but the sweeping follows. Here is searching for the lost. I can recall this sweeping process prior to my being saved. There was a stirring up of things. Sins were brought to my mind, and I became concerned. Thank God for the movements of His Holy Spirit. He convicts of sin, righteousness and judgement (John 16.8).

Then there was the diligent searching until the lost coin was found.

In my case I recall how this went on for some years, but the blessed

Spirit followed me constantly, until at length I was found at the

Saviour's feet in repentance.

"Spirit of light

May He explore

And chase our gloom away,

With lustre shining more and more

Unto the perfect day."

The woman rejoicing with her friends and neighbours points to the joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. How real and wonderful is the love of God! This rejoicing in heaven over the finding of a lost sinner betokens the heart of God who yearns for the saving of that which is lost.

unknown | Apr 1957
For Young Believers