SOCHEWS

“By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religious scholars were not pleased, not pleased at all. They growled, “He takes sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story. “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulder, rejoicing, and when you got home, call in your friends and neighbours, saying, “Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!” (Luke 15:1-6)

The sinners and the saint, surrounded by men who knew religion inside out. How could a man who called himself the divine, the Saviour, be fraternizing with people of doubtful reputation? Jesus showed how differently he thought from them by illustrating how much he loves one. One lost sheep, one lost coin, one prodigal son.

It’s not easy to understand Jesus’ point here. Because it seems so far removed from what I would do. From Jesus’ point of view, one little lost sheep would prompt a desperate search, and an even more extravagant, excessive party. One lost coin prompts an entire search and upheaval of the home, and an incredible exclamation of joy to people who probably think, “It’s just a coin.”

How extravagant and excessive God’s love is. Over one, he would fight and search the terrains, to rediscover and bring that one home. It has no limits, really. Where even doubtful reputations, or the snide remarks of those who think it’s a waste of time, are not enough to deter God from pouring out faithhopelove into his rescue mission of his beloved.

What does this mean for me? What does this mean in the moments when I’m lost, when I wander, when I hide in the darkest of closets, wondering if anyone sees me? When life in the urban jungle treats people like commodities, and used ‘til they’re squeezed dry, valued for what they bring to the table, much like sheep and coins in those days. It’s easy, so easy, to get lost. To get lost in the pursuit of happiness, the pursuit of all things we desperately want to make us whole, to heal the pangs of loneliness and aches and dreams of a better tomorrow. Then before I know it, I’m not sure where I am in the first place. So far from a place my heart can call home.

Yet, this is the truth about God: he seeks and saves the lost. And He will not stop. And when we are found with Him, He rejoices. Oh, He exults, yelps, gives thanks, throws and celebrates our lives like nothing before or nothing after. This is the excessive love of God that defies logic and belief.

I know what I lose my heart to. I know where and when I get caught up in trite things. I know when I’m at my most unpleasant, treat people like dirt, fall into lust, think success is built on the accolades of other. Oh, but in those moments, God sits down and says, “Let’s eat.” Let’s dine. Let’s chat. Many times once, you were lost. But now, you are found.

Oh Father, my heart is overwhelmed by your unfathomable love and faith. Such is your love, that you’ll always come near, even if I’m a sinner blackened by sin.

Let’s dine Father. Pull me aside when I am wandering too far. Let your love take me home, next to you.

Amen.