After Hours Search

“I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.” (Ezekiel 34:12 NLT)

The University of Iowa Hospital system is a huge complex of buildings and parking garages connected by skywalks. Patients and visitors frequently get lost in the maze. During the day, there are official ‘Service Ambassadors’ wearing red sport coats assisting those who don’t know where they are going. The evenings, however, are a completely different story. I have seen people wandering around after hours, trying to find where they parked. Even though I don’t work at the hospital, I have been able to help fellow patients find their way. This is because I have been lost several times in that place.

On Sunday mornings, churches are filled with official ministers who are trained to give directions.  But after hours, when we are wandering around in the dark, trying to find our way back to Christ, the only people available might be fellow seekers. Many of us feel like only clergy are qualified to help those who have gone astray. I disagree. If you have been lost and redirected, you may be able to help others who are disoriented. This might involve walking with them for a while which can be inconvenient. Even if we are not sure of the way they need to go, our mere presence can be comforting. We may be able to point out signs or just direct them to someone else who can assist them. Yet, we have to be careful--we can’t encourage others to rely on our experience; they have to develop their own awareness. We can’t rescue anyone; all we can do is guide them toward the light.