While I was searching I started thinking. Why does God have to search for us like we are searching for this lost goat? He knows where we are better than we do. He sees all things. Yet in His parables, He told of a Shepherd that searched for His lost sheep. Of a Father watching the horizon for His wayward son. Even all the way back in Genesis God was searching for His two fallen children.
Maybe because in all of these stories and parables God is showing us a bit of His heart. A facet of His love. He could storm into where we are and yank us back to where we should be. He would be within His rights.
But that's not how He's chosen to interact with us. He chooses to be the God who searches us out where we are. He comes to us in the middle of our lostness. When we have lost our identity. When we trampled on boundaries and made ourselves vulnerable. When we cast aside the rules and were left without a compass. The way we wondered left us cold. Yet we kept walking on. Surely there would be warmth and good things just around the next bend. Yet every path, every way, every new thing just led us farther away from God.
But that's not how He's chosen to interact with us. He chooses to be the God who searches us out where we are. He comes to us in the middle of our lostness. When we have lost our identity. When we trampled on boundaries and made ourselves vulnerable. When we cast aside the rules and were left without a compass. The way we wondered left us cold. Yet we kept walking on. Surely there would be warmth and good things just around the next bend. Yet every path, every way, every new thing just led us farther away from God.
But God never gave up on us. He wound His way through the forests that we got lost in. He kept searching until He found us, deep in the darkness of sin. He didn't leave us there. On the cross He gave His life blood for the lost. In that moment He made a way for us to come home.
Then comes the moment of truth. We have a choice. We can keep making endless painful circles or we can take His hand and go home. Yet we know we are not worthy to go home. We have wondered too far, done too much, ran for too long. But Christ offers us His nail scarred hands to guide us home. He has paid the price. He has covered for our sins. With gratitude we slowly extend our hand in consent. With a smile so big that it lights up the night He takes our hand and begins to walk.
He forgives us and leads us back home. No condemnation. No guilt trip. Just a loving tender hand that guides us back home. Home where we are met with a celebration. Home where we can rest. Home where fellowship happens. Home where He is.
Friends, this is our God. The One that pursues us when we are running from Him. The One who died to bring us home. The One who leads us home.
This is nothing short of a wonder. That God Himself would pursue His rebellious creations. It feels my heart with joy and wonder.
I praise God! The God who pursues me when I am just like a sheep running from Him. He never gives up on me. I praise Him for His love and faithfulness. I praise Him for His tenderness and compassion. Now and forever.
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