Only hours before Kim Haskins’ secondary school prom, a car accident took the life of her father and left Kim and her mother hospitalised. The next day, Joe Garrett, Kim’s head teacher, visited her at the hospital and said they wanted to do something special for her at the school. A local newspaper article described their love and support as the classmates, teachers and other members of staff—deeply affected by Kim’s loss—filled the school hall a few days later for a celebration just for her.

Garrett said, “We talk a lot in education about no child left behind. In the military, they talk about no soldier left behind. Today, this is about no student left behind.”

Jesus showed the importance of every person to God with three stories about something lost—a sheep, a coin and a son (Luke 15). In each story a person has lost something of great value. When it is found, friends and neighbours are called to celebrate and rejoice together.

The point is clear: we are all of great value to God, who offers us forgiveness and new life through Christ. And He faithfully pursues us with His love and grace. There is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (v.7).

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread