Sunday, March 10, 2013 Luke
15:1-3, 11b-32
David Rue
The parables of The
Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son from Luke are among our favorites. The images of The Good Shepherd bringing the
lost sheep home on his shoulders and the adoring father killing the fatted calf
to celebrate the return of the prodigal son remind us that when those who are
lost are found and sinners repent and return from death to life, there is joy
in heaven. But what about those who
appear to us to never be found…who appear to be forever lost?
I’ve developed a friendship over
the last year with a homeless woman.
(Donovan inspired me to introduce myself to her in a sermon he delivered
last year). She comes to my office to
visit from time to time. She’s lived on
the streets for years and has participated in all the good programs available to
the homeless in Nashville. She’s spent a
lot of time at the Campus for Human Development and is currently living at the
Shelter for Women on 8th Avenue.
She’s also spent a lot of nights in the back of a panel truck in a lot
off Third Avenue South afraid of an abusive and controlling man in her
life. As I have gotten to know her and
as she has slowly revealed her story, I am overcome at how difficult her life
has been. I am also absolutely at a
loss as to how to make a real difference in her life. We have worked together three times over the
last year to arrange for her to return to her hometown—to make a new
start. Each time she has returned to
Nashville and picked up her old routine.
We had a very difficult conversation the last time she returned and I
left our encounter ashamed of my behavior.
I shared my frustration with Ben.
He reminded me that “the call to be in relationship doesn’t always have
a fairy-tale ending but it does include a God who teaches us that the kingdom
isn’t about success; instead it is about walking together—making the light of
Christ come alive”. My friend is a woman
of deep faith. Upon reflection, it is
likely that she feels called to minister to me as well.
Prayer: Dear God, Please help me let go of my apprehension and
to be always mindful of opportunities to walk together with others in
faith. Amen.
Daily Challenge: Live into
the direction of the Holy Spirit and listen for ways, even small ways, to make
the light of Christ come alive in the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment