For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 (NRSV)

Because I lose things, I can relate to Luke’s stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son in chapter 15. I can relate because – in the past year – I have lost keys, glasses and an earring. It was frustrating spending time looking and looking, and though the earring turned up in the cuff of a pair of slacks, the keys and the glasses are gone.

While those lost items are rather insignificant and can be replaced, sometimes we also find ourselves lost. We don’t have answers to problems, or we struggle with challenges. We feel lost when health deteriorates or we lose friends to death.

Still, we are reminded that in the midst of these losses, our faithful Lord is here and with his power comes peace. When we remember that Jesus lost his life that we may find ours – here and in eternity; when we are reminded that he came to redeem the lost – to rescue us from sin and despair; then we are assured that with God, we are never lost.

Lord, Take my hand and lead me, upon life’s way
Direct, protect, and feed me, from day to day
Without your grace and favor, I go astray
So take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way. Amen.
(Text: Julie von Hausmann, 1825-1901)

Deaconess Jean Wildgrube, Rexford, NY