Tag: lost

James 5:19-20 – Are You Wandering?

Read James 5:19-20

James has an interesting way of bringing this letter to a close. There’s no “see you soon” or “have a nice life” kind of ending. This letter has been full of content from the start. Certainly, James’ parting thoughts have been full of wisdom. And his devotion to his readers by calling them “dear brothers and sisters” concludes what has been a recurring theme. James is not a stranger to his audience.

In these two short verses, we see James’ version of searching after the lost. Matthew’s gospel reveals a series of stories about lost items. Jesus used those parables to emphasize the importance of not leaving anybody behind. Or, as Paul puts it, God “wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

Continue reading “James 5:19-20 – Are You Wandering?”

Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is High Priest

Read Hebrews 8:1-13

Our discussion on the priesthood continues in today’s reading. Jesus has stepped up as our high priest. He was appointed by God because he was in the right family. What used to be the job of a man, a mere mortal in the line of Levi, is now our Lord’s. Had the old way not been flawed, God wouldn’t have fixed it. Even God looks out for ways to be more efficient in helping his people. The saying, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Well, the system was broke and God sacrificed himself to fix it.

Again, our author is helping the people to understand the immensity of what is happening here. He quotes the words of Jeremiah to compare the old and new covenants. Again, God saw a need for a new promise. Times had changed and so had people. It was time for God to make all things new. He sent his son and when “God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.” God’s change was huge! Continue reading “Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is High Priest”

Luke 2:41-52 – Who’s Teaching Who?

Read Luke 2:41-52

So many thoughts run through my head as I read this passage.

  • How frantic Mary and Joseph must have been. Have you ever lost your child, even for a moment in a store while shopping? Remember that feeling?
  • Did Jesus or the religious leaders ever take a break and sleep during the 3+ days Jesus was “missing.”
  • How could they not know what Jesus meant, had they forgotten he was the “Son of God?”
  • If the religious leaders were all amazed at his answers at age 12, what happened to them when at age 30 they wanted to kill Jesus?

Did you have another revelation or thought when you read this passage? Perhaps there is something missing in your life that you want to find? I suppose the mother in me really resonates with the first one and can’t imagine the anguish Mary felt. Continue reading “Luke 2:41-52 – Who’s Teaching Who?”

Hosea 7:1-16 – Totally Lost

Read Hosea 7:1-16

Despite Hosea’s plea of the last chapter to return to God, the people remain totally lost. The tendency here would be to say: that was then and this is now. But can we really say that? I don’t think so. I think people today are just as lost as they were then. There must be something about human nature that keeps us all lost like this. Selfishness? Arrogance? What is it do you think?

No one cries to God for help, it says in verse 7. How true is that today. I heard not long ago about a Facebook Live that depicted a murder. As it was happening. Do you think anyone reported it? Sad to say there were MANY views (I don’t remember the number now but it was a lot more than any Facebook Live I’ve every done has ever gotten). But nobody reported it. What is wrong with us?

It’s easy to compare ourselves to them and say, “well, I’m not that bad.” Don’t do this. We can get complacent if we rest on our laurels, even for a moment. We need to be warriors for God. Maybe that means we rally in prayer. Maybe that means we head to the front lines and wrestle with people who prefer wicked behavior. But we can’t turn our eyes away!

One verse that really jumped out at me in this passage was verse 2. It’s a good reminder to know that God is watching us. He sees it all. We cannot hide. We are all sinful, and we are all caught up in something that displeases God in some way. We may not even be aware…but God is. Our unawareness is sinful.  

How many times do I look at my own sinfulness and compare it to others? That isn’t the point.  My sinfulness is mine, and I must claim it, seek forgiveness for it, and be cleansed. Someone else’s sins are just that, someone else’s. How much should I get involved? To the extent that others might need to know the loving, compassionate, forgiving God that I know. That is what is up to me – to let them know the truth, not judge their need for forgiveness.

Take a moment to think about the people you know in your circle of friends and acquaintances. Does anyone stand out as really needing to cleanse their heart? Who do you think of that is lost and apart from God?

Let’s pray. Lord, we are all thinking of someone who is lost and apart from you. Lord shower those persons with your love and mercy. Open their hearts to realize they are missing you. Guide us to those folks with a eagerness to share your message. With open ears may they hear and be found. Lord use us to make an impact on your kingdom. Give us the refreshment we need to be good soldiers and warriors for you. Equip us with what we need and wash our fears away. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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