Ever been lost? Maybe you were driving in a strange city or highway and you took a wrong turn. That was easier to do years ago before our phones and cars were equipped with GPS and a voice instructing us along the way. I remember getting turned around in a theme park once and going out the wrong exit into the wrong parking lot! That took a while to find the car.
Maybe you have never been physically lost, but during these days and times we are living in you feel lost. We have been self-isolating, staying away from others. We have not spent time with family and friends or even ventured into stores where we simply walk around in the “crowds” and smile at each other. Loneliness is on the rise, in our children, teens, and the elderly.
Suicide rates are on the rise also, especially among teens. Recently a 17-year-old football player in Florida committed suicide, despondent over not being in school and not being allowed to play football. (Coaches often serve as the primary mentors for high school athletes.) The restrictions to keep COVID from spreading have had unfortunate consequences for many.
I think that is why the words of Jesus in Luke 19 hold out such hope in our troubled times.
People were offended that Jesus responded to and offered salvation to a hated tax collector named Zacchaeus. When His critics began to complain about His actions, Jesus reminded them of His purpose.
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” [Luke 19:10 HCSB]
Jesus brought us many blessings through His sacrifice on the cross. He opened the way to the Father so that we now are no longer at odds with our Creator. He gives peace. Our joy is found in Him. His promises are “yes” and “Amen.” He promises us a future and we live in the hope of our eternity with Him.
Yes, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection brought all those blessings and more! But, His purpose was so simple – to seek and save the lost. And perhaps the biggest blessing of all is that He invites us now to share His purpose.
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20 HCSB
