Today I had a bit of a frightening experience. I was hiking on a trail that was new to me. Suddenly the trail ended and no longer looked like the map. I made my way back to what I thought was the trailhead. I was hopelessly lost. I was able to get a message to my wife and a search party was sent. In a relatively short period of time they found me and I was rescued. Being lost in the wilderness is a lonely and frustrating experience. Although you want to return home, you need help to get there. When you finally are rescued, everyone celebrates.
You are probably familiar with the story of the Prodigal Son. Although his father was alive, this son asked for and was given his inheritance. He quickly squandered all that he had in self-destructive ways. Sometime later he decided to humbly return home in repentance. The father was eagerly awaiting his return and when he saw his son in the distance, he ran to the son, embraced him and said, “‘For this my son was dead, and is alive again, he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Jesus told this story to His disciples to illustrate our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We have all chosen to go our own way, which the Bible calls sin. In this state we have separated ourselves from God. We wander around in confusion and distress in our lost state. However, when we choose to come home to the Father and surrender to His tender mercies and steadfast love, He eagerly welcomes us home. In His grace and joy He celebrates the return of the lost son or daughter. Like the Prodigal, won’t you come home to your Heavenly Father?
Reluctant Retiree 