Dear Faith Family,
There are few things more anxiety-heightening than being lost. Whether we find ourselves separated from our company because of inattentive self-absorption, directionally discombobulated because of miscalculation, or, perhaps worst of all, our orientation slowly suffocated as we are buried under the grim of daily living. No wonder humans have invented seemingly endless manners and contraptions to help us avoid even the potential of being lost--whether physically or in life purpose or even spiritually.
Ironically, Jesus implies that the place we fear finding ourselves is actually the place where we are found by Him. And perhaps in an even more ironic twist, Jesus says that His finding of us, is our repentance.
So Jesus told them this parable: 'What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'
Just so, I tell you, there will e more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.'
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.'(Luke 15:3-10)
What if we believed Jesus' double-parable vision of life in God is actually how our life in God plays out? That, indeed, our life story tells the same story of the Kingdom of God coming looking for us.
What if we believed that in order to find ourselves "at home" with Him, in His purposes and pleasures, all we need is to be in need of being found? Would we see ourselves and our days any differently? Would we see our neighbors and enemies differently? If we believed Jesus, would we see the Kingdom already coming, not just to the ones already home, but even now to the ones far away or buried?
What if you believed the good news, that life on your own is over and life with God has found you?
Think about that, and, as Jesus encourages, "Do not fear, only believe." (Mark 5:36)
Love you, faith family!