all kinds of writing
After being gone on vacation and to Pastors' Conference, I decided it was time to "get back in gear" and write a devotional for the week. Sunday's gospel contained two stories about our "seeking God." They were the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Something evident in both stories is that neither the sheep nor the coin were "bad." They "belonged," were important and cared for, but somehow "went missing." There is no blame attached to their disappearance, no judgment, no recrimination. The stories merely emphasize the concern of the owner to find the sheep and coin and the joy that was experienced when the lost was found and restored to community.
These parables seem to run counter to our long held ideas about the importance of "working our way back to God" when we "go astray." Sometimes things happen that are not "of our doing." How wonderful to believe that God is "always searching" for those who have disappeared and will not rest until He finds us!
Perhaps these parables are also good reminders for those of us who remain "within the fold" of what our response is to be when one is returned. Often we react with suspicion, "Wonder what brought him/her back" or caution, "Any bets on how long this will last?" Got to admit, I've been there! There doesn't seem to be that kind of skepticism in the gospel. The owner seeks, finds, and returns that which was lost and invites the whole community to celebrate the safe return.
May God grant us the grace and wisdom to likewise welcome those whom He has sought and died for and brings for us to welcome and embrace.
Peace, Pastor Carol
God Is Searching For You
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
