Key verses: Luke 19:10, John 15:1

Luke 15:7 "just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

Key thought

A heart for the lost is one big motivation that can accelerate work in the harvest field, a harvest that brings joy in heaven 

The reasoning in the parables of the lost is not normal, naturally we want to hold to what we have, the risk is too much leave what we have and go look for the one is lost.

Once we capture this heart of God, it can push us to all that is necessary to reach out to the lost.

The Passover is about God demonstrating a heart for the lost, Jesus who had no sin had to die to carry the burden of sin such whoever believe in Him is brought back into a relationship with God

How do we develop a heart for the lost?

1. Appreciate the significance of every individual
   • Human beings are made in the image of God, there is no one who is worthless and not deserving of the love of God
   • Everyone must therefore be given the chance to hear the good news.
   • They are not just numbers, they are people who need to hear that God saves!
   • As human beings, we tend to let go and replace what we have lost, it doesn’t work like that with God.
   • Every soul is precious and worthy to be sought after, the value of every soul is irreplaceable.
2. Diligently seek until the lost are found
   • Winning souls is hard work, diligence pays off. We must be persistent in seeking the lost
   • The woman does all that is necessary to find the lost coin; how far are we willing to go until the lost are found?
   • "Seeking until it is found" demands endurance
   • We do not give up until the lost are found, seeking for the lost is a lifetime calling.
   • It will only end when we are on the other side of this life!!
3. Tenderly cares for the found
   • The lost are many times broken, messed up and need tender care.
   • Sometimes the guilt of the past haunts them, they are ashamed and cannot move from where they are.
   • Many times, the only way home is when the shepherd carries them on his shoulders!!
   • That is the story of many that come to the Lord, this is where consolidation and discipleship comes in.
   • Luke 15:5 and when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
   • He did not put it on leash but on his shoulders!! What a caring Father we serve!
   • We have many casualties in the kingdom because of the lack of proper discipleship and care.
4. Has a sense of urgency in seeking for the lost
   • The woman who lost the coin does noes not wait for day light but immediately begins to search
   • Luke 15:20 and he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 
   • There are many out there that God is looking out for, you and I have to partner with God to find them.
   • Our sense of urgency comes out of the value we place on the lost; that which is important deserves our urgent attention. 
5. Shares the heart of Jesus for the lost
   • This was demonstrated through his submission to the will of the Father
   • The willingness to obey the will of the father is a critical feature of a heart for the lost, Jesus offers a very good example of a heart for the lost
   • Just before going to the cross in his agony prayed until his sweat dropped in form of blood droplets
   • Luke 22:42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 
   • A heart for the lost will pursue the lost out of obedience when any other motivation is not there
   • Jesus again demonstrates a level of humility in as far as the lost is concerned.
   • He left His glory in heaven to come to earth so that we could be found

Conclusion

Lord help me develop a burden for the lost.

Romans 9:2-3 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!

When we see the heart Paul has for the lost, somehow we can appreciates how works and suffers for the sake of the gospel

May the state of the lost break our hearts!!