"Rejoice with me,
for I have found my sheep that was lost."
I read this passage and I can’t help but think of recent episodes
with our all-black bull. Twice within a 48-hour period he escaped from his pasture onto a
fairly heavily traveled country road. Being thankful that a neighbor and we recaptured him
easily seems very selfish and mercenary. However, black bulls on unlighted country roads
are very difficult to see. I said several small prayers that no one was involved in a
serious accident because of his presence on the road. The vehicle drivers probably said a
few prayers of their own when they encountered him.
This may not be the way you think of returning to God’s fold when
you read this passage, but I can’t help but believe that sometimes little incidents
like this bring us back to his word.
One of the things that brings us back is hearing people sharing their
faith without embarrassment, like saying, "Thank God" when something scary
happens. Showing concern for others is a day-to-day way to express our faith.
But this passage when you read it in it’s entirety is also a
reminder that we need to bring ourselves back to God and practice our faith in our daily
lives.
It reminds us that we will be welcomed even if it has been a long time
since we have been to church. It also reminds us to welcome everyone to the sanctuary even
if they are Christmas and Easter-only Christians.
Recently someone said she no longer considered herself a member. She
did not belong to another church; she just was not a member anymore. I told her we still
would welcome her no matter how often she was able or wanted to come. I saw her on
Christmas Eve. She was being greeted warmly by others of the congregation. Such a practice
of welcoming old members or visitors is important for their Christian well being, but it
is also important for our well being.
As I read it, God is asking us to return to the fold and to bring
others with us. He is also saying we can do this in our day-to-day living. This time of
Lent is the time to renew our practice of those skills.
Prayer: Lord, help us to forgive others and welcome them back to your
fold. Help us also to forgive ourselves so that we may also experience this joy. Amen.
