I Once Was Lost

Luke 15:1-10

Often I’m reminded of the transcendence of God when I’m in nature. The vastness of creation and the realization that the complexities of life could not happen by random chance have kept me tethered to faith even when the Lord feels distant. This summer, studying the human body in A&P 2 has had a similar effect. What is it for you? What has reminded you of God’s existence even when you can’t feel his presence?

If God exists, (and the world we see points to his existence), how can humanity know what God is like? This is the question world religions attempt to answer. Throughout history, humanity has sought to appease the gods. And that’s always what religion asks of us, right? Do more, work harder, be better. The Pharisees were really great at that- showcasing their goodness to please Yahweh. 

But Jesus tells a mixed crowd- “This is what God is like, if you’re lost, he’s leaving to find you. You’ve spent zero percent of your life looking for him? It doesn’t matter. He’s running, searching, leaving no stone unturned looking for YOU. Why? Because you’re lost. Because he loves you. BECAUSE THAT IS THE KIND OF GOD HE IS.”

We love him because he first loved us. At just the right time, Christ died for us. The Father came running. The Shepherd went searching. Friends, we are SO loved. Our lost neighbors are SO loved. All roads do NOT lead to heaven because the other roads are inaccessible, unattainable. One path gets us home, and it’s the road to Golgotha, Jesus body broken for YOU, for US, taking on every failure, every sin. Jesus became the cursed so we might be freed from the curse of death. 

All that is required of us now? 

Repent. Believe. Love. Because he has already made the way. 

God, may we be undone this week as we contemplate your incomprehensible amazing grace.

Natalie