It was lost and she would not stop looking for it. Even though she had others, and other things to do, the woman was on a mission. Let the dogs bark, let the neighbors knock, she would not give up until she found it. One of her silver coins was gone, and the search was on.

Like the Palestinian women of her day, the woman in Jesus’ parable  (Luke 15:8-10) was likely given this silver coin, and nine others, as a wedding gift. She was supposed to take care of it, keep it in a safe place and treat it as the treasure it was. Losing this valuable and sentimental coin right under her own roof began a hunt that would not end until the coin was found.  

First, she lit a lamp. Darkness would not hide what was hers. Once illuminated, she swept her home to clear away anything that might cover up her gift. Finally she began to search carefully until her coin was found. Only then did she call out to her friends and neighbors, inviting them to share in the joy of her find.

Maybe we can’t relate to losing a silver coin received on our wedding day, but surely we’ve all experienced a search for something that was lost. The more valuable the item, the more intense the search and the greater the joy when it is recovered. And it is that joy which concludes Jesus’ parable. Referencing the celebration over finding the lost coin, Jesus said, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

This season of Lent, as we prepare ourselves to commemorate the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, perhaps we could mimic the course of action taken by the woman in Jesus’ story as we seek to bring others to Him. Just as she lit a lamp, the light of Jesus will shine through our lives when our words and actions reflect the His love, truth and forgiveness. We can ask God to help us to sweep away our busyness, selfishness or apathy so that we might seek and reach out to those in need. Let’s keep looking.

Ronny may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.