The surpassing grace of God shines brightest in this: we were not merely sought, but sought out! There's a world of difference. When you drop something on the floor, you seek it. But when that precious thing has fallen into impossible places—when the search becomes desperate and relentless—that's seeking out.

We were mingled with the mire! Picture a gold ring dropped into the sewer, and someone sifting through abominable filth, raking through the waste, refusing to quit until that treasure is found. Or think of it another way: we were lost in a labyrinth, wandering deeper and deeper into darkness. When mercy came after us with the gospel, it didn't find us at the first coming. It had to search for us and seek us out! We were lost sheep who had wandered so far into strange country that it seemed impossible even the Good Shepherd could track our devious roamings.

Glory be to unconquerable grace—we were sought out! No gloom could hide us. No filthiness could conceal us. We were found and brought home. Glory be to infinite love! God the Holy Spirit restored us!

If the lives of some of God's people could be written, they would fill us with holy astonishment. Strange and marvelous are the ways God used to find his own! Blessed be his name, he never relinquishes the search until the chosen are sought out effectually. We are not a people sought today and cast away tomorrow. Almightiness and wisdom combined will make no failures—we shall be called "Sought out!"

That any should be sought out is matchless grace. But that we should be sought out? That's grace beyond degree! We can find no reason for it but God's own sovereign love. All we can do is lift up our hearts in wonder and praise the Lord that this night—this very night—we wear the name "Sought out!"