SEARCHING FOR THE LOST

Recently, it seems we have been inundated with stories about the "lost." The lost bride-to-be, the lost child, the lost pet and yes, even the lost finger. As I write this, the media clings to the story of the lost bride-to-be who, as it turns out, was not lost at all, but was traveling on a westbound bus singing, "Do you know the way to San Jose?"

There are times when we read about the lost and it tugs on our heartstrings. There are times when it doesn't even phase us. I suspect it all comes down to past experiences dictating our reaction to the news. Most of us can empathize with a groom or bride left at the alter. If we're honest, I think most of us breathed a sigh of relief that we weren't the ones left with 600 guests all dressed up with no where to go. Though, quite frankly, it's been somewhat surprising to me that many people are so angry over this situation. We keep hearing how she should pay for the cost of the search or she should be charged criminally. Don't misunderstand me, I believe full responsibility should be taken for what happened, but haven't we all been in a situation where we just wanted to get lost? Haven't you, at one time or another, wanted to just fall off the face of the earth and not have to deal with bills, work, family, friends, God?

We've all seen the image of a youngster carrying a large stick over his/her shoulder with a full handkerchief tied to the end and walking toward the unknown. We get a chuckle out of it because we know that no matter how big that handkerchief is, the youngster will not get very far before he/she has to go back home for a refill. Same goes for God.

We often get so fed up, frustrated, discouraged with what we are told about God that we put our Spirituality in that handkerchief and walk off into the unknown. We try to get lost. We try to get lost in alcohol, drugs, bad relationships, anonymous sex, food and/or a host of other things. The truth is, we get so lost that sometimes we can't find our way back home and we need a search party to come and get us. Believe it or not, God sends out a search party for you, because God desperately wants you found and back home. Hard to believe? Listen to what the bible says about Jesus in Luke 19:10 (NIV), "For the Son of Man [Jesus] came to seek and save what was lost."

Chapter 15 in the book of Luke is dedicated to finding what was lost. A woman sweeps the whole house searching for one lost coin out of ten. A shepherd leaves 99 sheep behind to find the lost one. The reckless child returns home after squandering everything. God is like the searcher who never gives up the search. God is the search and rescue team who is willing to risk life in order to find you. And what happens when you are found? Is God there to charge you with a violation of the law? Is God there to chide you and offer up a bill outlining the cost of the search? The answer is unequivocally NO! God rejoices, God throws a party and asks all of the angels to celebrate the fact that you are back!
God's desire is to have you reunited in your rightful home. Isn't it time to refill than handkerchief? Come home, a festival awaits…

Rev. Denise Cordova is pastor of Light of the Soul Christian Ministries, which meets every Sunday @ 7:00 PM in Reno, NV. Denise is a Jesus activist in the gltb community and is proud to proclaim God’s love for all people. You may contact her at liteofthesoul@aol.com or (775) 323-2798.