Follow the Lead. Forgiven, Part 5

How easy is it to get lost!

Ask a tourist and he will sure be able to tell you. I haven't met a tourist yet who has never been lost, at least once!

As we neared the Skogafoss waterfalls in Iceland, for example, we noticed a vehicle turning around to head down a dirt road. Our first thought was, "He knows something we don't!" So we followed his example. The road was rough, and as we bounced to the right and to the left, you would have thought we were on some kind of a wild rollercoaster. Much to the delight of my boys, I might add!

And then we ended up at . . . A farm!

From the distance we could see the falls we were hoping to admire, but we were separated by fields of grazing cows and sheep, to say nothing of a river!

The vehicle we were following appeared to realize his mistake about the time we did. But fortunately for him, he was a four wheeler, and he simply proceeded overland across the river and pastureland. Unfortunately for us and our boys, our vehicle was NOT an overland vehicle . . .

In life it is also easy to get lost. Peer pressure and advertisements often lead us to a solitary place that most call hell, hooked on addictions and habits that seem unshakeable. No matter what we do, it seems we have specialized in deeply hurting those around us, and no matter what, we end up as lonely as ever. We can so easily conclude that we have become the scum of the earth. We don't deserve forgiveness. Not even from God!

That's what a rich young man concluded when he had taken his part of the heritage from his father who was still alive, and "squandered his wealth in wild living." (Luke 15:13 NIV)

Down, down, down he went, and before he knew it, he was left without money and without friends, and the only job he could find was tending pigs, a job far below his dignity!

There is a time in life when reality hits hard. At such times we either decide to do something about our circumstances or we remain hopelessly in our situation. "When he came to his senses ..." (Luke 15:17 NIV)

This young man decided to do something about his circumstances. He decided to go back to his dad and beg to be allowed to serve the family estate as a hireling.

He was quite surprised at the reception he received! "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20 NIV)

Still convinced that he was the scum of the earth he declared: "I am no longer worthy to be called your son." (Luke 15:21 NIV)

He was again astonished by his father's reply: "Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:23-24 NIV)

This son (or daughter!) In this story is you, my friend. Jesus placed this story in His Word just for you! You too may find yourself utterly hopeless and abandoned. You may think you don't deserve forgiveness after all the hurt you have caused in this life.

Your Heavenly Father thinks otherwise. He not only wants to lift you out of your misery, He wants also to give you a brand new wardrobe and a place in His very home. After all, you are one of his sons or daughters! He loves you above anything else!

Come to Him and your inner hunger will be satisfied beyond bounds. Come home! Your heavenly dad is waiting for you!

We can either remain lost, admiring with a sigh the waterfall of grace from a distance, or we can turn back and experience it first-hand. It sure is pretty from close-up!

Rob Chaffart

Follow the Lead. Forgiven, Part 5

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