Zorro

My friend’s dog, Zorro, wandered away from home and was lost for 3 days. My friend and her family left their two other dogs at home, while they frantically scoured the countryside. They thought he most likely followed a deer, went too far, and got lost. They were worried that he might have been stolen by a dog fighting ring because of his size, or maybe even got run over by a car! Yet, they stayed positive and kept hoping that he was safe. The family searched intensely for him, calling out his name as they walked the fields near their house. They called the shelters, made up fliers, asked everybody they could think of to keep an eye out for him. Finally, Zorro was found and returned home. We all rejoiced with this family and praised God.
 
Zorro’s story reminded me of the following verse:
“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine 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 shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.”(Luke15:4-7 MSG)

Most of us wander away from God’s presence at some time or another. We see something interesting and follow it till we are far from home and can’t find our way back. We chase after distractions that will never satisfy as well as God’s provision. The wilderness is dangerous. Evil lurks, waiting for oblivious lost souls. When we stray into darkness, we are at risk of being captured, forced into bondage, used as bait for cruel entertainment.

However, God is always searching, calling out our name, waiting for us to come back to Him. He is filled with joy and relief when we are reunited with Him. And we will finally find security and peace in His presence.

Come back to me with all your heart,
don't let fear keep us apart.
Long have I waited for your coming
home to me and living deeply our new life.
(excerpts from the hymn ‘Hosea’, by Gregory Norbert)