We are all very aware of the two chapters of Luke in the Word of God, chapters 15 and 16, where Jesus gives us the parables about the different types of lost people, why they are lost, how they are found, and what happens after they are found.
A little side note, Jesus also gives us examples for those who are left behind having lost someone.
In the parable of the lost son who leaves to spend his inheritance recklessly, Jesus shows us two people who give two very different ways they handle the son’s repentance and return. The woman who lost her coin had to light her lamp, come out of living in the dark and clean up her mess!
I know we know these parables well. But do we know WHY Jesus shared them? Do we know what inspired Him to give these examples?
He was being accused of acting wrongly toward sinners. People, specifically Pharisees, who were described here by Timothy, “For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.” 2 Timothy 3:2
And Paul says, “For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:21
“Consider Nothing Sacred”
This really stood out to me. If you have been following me for a while, then you know how I feel about marriage. How unique it is, how there is nothing in this world that compares to marriage, and how sacred it is. Yet the world doesn’t see it this way anymore. It’s almost seen like an employer finding the right employee, and when it doesn’t work out, firing and replacing them with another, and if that doesn’t work, fire and replace again because an employer is looking out for their and the company’s own interest, best interest. In fact, the very last parable in Luke Chapter 16 is about an employer who fires the manager because he is wastefully spending just like the lost son!
Many of us have people in our lives that look out for their own interests first and are very vocal that you should do the same too. We know they love you and don’t want to see you suffering and going through the pain, but there can be so much more to it when nothing you say convinces them to support your stand. That is why Jesus had to speak in parables to those with a heart that didn’t like humility. Did not like seeing sinners “getting away with it.”
If you have family, friends, and even your pastor who is still trying to convince you to cut your loss, move on from standing for the healing and restoration of your spouse’s heart to God and you, then do what Jesus did, share the parables that He shared. The lost sheep and how Jesus left the 99 to find it. How the father waited, and when the lost son came to his senses, he opened his arms and welcomed him home. You can even share how the other son was bitter and angry at his father for being kind and rejoicing that his lost son was no longer lost, how this other son’s heart was not right.
Share with them about hearts not welcoming sinners and lost people and how standing is helping YOU to have a heart that reflects Jesus, how you are being transformed to be able to sit at the table with sinners instead of snubbing them. How you would be able to wash the feet of a betrayer like Judas like Jesus did, and THIS is the example you are wanting to set for your children so when your spouse comes home, they are welcomed, not exiled.
Don’t be afraid of explaining your stand to those that don’t understand it. But do it like Jesus did, and don’t worry if you are not able to get through to them. Just like Jesus, you are planting seeds of truth in their hearts and stepping aside to let the Holy Spirit do the hard work of tending those seeds.
Standing with you,
Sheila Hollinger
I’m new to this very lost wife had an affair for two years still having hard time adjusting