The Missing Sock

 

I dropped a laundry basket of clean clothes near my husband’s chair. I knew it was a long shot, but I thought maybe he would notice the basket and match socks while he watched the TV. (Try it sometime, because it worked!)

When he got to the end of the basket, he was missing a sock. No big deal, it happens all the time. I set the sock on top of the dresser and figured its friend would show up in another load.

Fast forward several days and I’m at the chiropractor standing at the front desk. I removed my jacket and took a step backward. Much to my surprise, there was my husband’s missing sock on the floor. The sweatshirt I was wearing was in the same load of laundry. Apparently the missing sock found a new friend and became rather clingy. I picked it up off of the floor, chuckled and said, “I found my husband’s missing sock. I write devotions. There is a story in here somewhere.”

During biblical times Palestinian women received ten silver coins as a wedding gift. These coins were not only valuable, they also had sentimental value. If a woman lost a coin she would do everything she could to find it. It would be like losing your wedding ring today. Jesus uses this coin as an example in the Parable of the Lost Coin.

…Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.” In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:8-10).

The missing sock wasn’t a valuable item, but it was a new one. If it had not reappeared, I would have grabbed a flashlight and searched around the washer and dryer. I have held onto mates for a very long time. It becomes a mission to reunite the socks, especially if it is a favorite pair.

When I found the sock at the chiropractors office, I rejoiced. Not necessarily because it was found, but because I knew it was going to be a witnessing tool. A modern day example of how great the celebration is when we are found.

“There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” What wonderful words! God and His angels celebrate every time a sinner comes before the Lord and asks for forgiveness.

What are you celebrating in your life and in your church? If we look at others through the eyes of Jesus, we will turn on the light, search for the lost, and share the wonderful grace of Jesus.

Pray for the lost and those who are searching. Show them the love of Christ and introduce them to the gospel. Sometimes you may only plant the seed, but other times you will see the harvest. And when you see the harvest, rejoice with the angels in heaven because another lost soul has joined the kingdom of God.

What steps do you need to take to witness about God's saving grace to someone who is lost?