18 Sep, 2008

The Lost Coins

Pursuit of what was lost
Truck crash scatters nickels all over I-95 in Florida

MIMS, Fla. (AP) —
The Florida Highway Patrol has closed part of Interstate 95 after a truck carrying $187,000 worth of nickels crashed and scattered coins across the road, killing one person.

The highway patrol says the tractor-trailer was carrying the nickels from Philadelphia to Miami when it apparently rear-ended another truck early Wednesday. Authorities say a passenger in the truck with the coins was killed and both drivers were hospitalized.

Authorities say so many nickels spilled out that the highway is sparkling in the Florida sun.

Florida Trooper Kim Miller says the nickels also were littering the grass — and that shovels might be needed to pick them up. Secret Service and Treasury agents went to the area to make sure no one tries to grab the coins.
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Jesus tells this story after being scolded by the Pharisees for welcoming and eating with sinners. Jesus responds by giving us a picture of his heart for the lost. God is holy and he cannot tolerate sin, but he made it possible for people to connect with him through Jesus Christ. The story shows us how excited God is when when we turn to him. The story also acknowledges that we must repent of our sins -- turn from our sins and turn towards Jesus Christ. This story shows our Father's incredible love for us. It tells us how much he wants his children to return to Him. God loves us and desires a relationship with us.
How can we connect God's Story scripture to our lives?
  • God is pursuing us like the woman pursues her lost coins
  • God is relentless in His pursuit
  • It's our sin that gets in the way -- we resist God
  • God rejoices when we respond to His love -- the lost coin becomes found!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?
  • Do your friends really know that God loves them? Do they believe it?
  • Do your friends realize that God is longing for them?
  • Do your friends understand that God rejoices when they turn to Him?

Consider sharing a piece of God's story today with your friend. Share with them the story about the lost coins. Maybe you'll have a chance to introduce them to this loving Father who is pursuing us all.

Praise God for His love pursuit!
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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.