PENTECOST III
June 19, 2022
“How Do You Define Lost?”
No one likes to get lost, although some may have a little more patience than others when it comes to unsnarling the “where you are and where you are trying to go.” I’m the most directionally impaired member of our family, so have personal understanding of how it feels when you know you’ve taken a wrong turn (or two) and will be hard put to backtrack. I equate that built-in sense of direction with God given talents, like perfect pitch or a photographic memory.
Television commercials, as we’re all aware, range from the obnoxious to the humorous, and I’ve seen one recently featuring a young man leaning against his car in a desolate spot, insisting, “I’m not lost. I’m exploring. That being said, do you know where I am?” He fumbles around with a paper map (remember those?), even turning it sideways, which is an obvious indication of his map-reading skills (or lack thereof). We can’t help but smile at his effort to put a positive spin on his situation, but we know lost when we see it.
Fairly often, the theme of a devotional meditation starts with a news sound bite, a newspaper item, or a rather random statement or comment I come across. This little commercial bit has hung around for awhile, waiting to be put to use. It’s been interesting to find the variety of references throughout the Bible in which God’s people feel lost and ask to be led and guided along the right path.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he and the disciples went from place to place, teaching and preaching wherever a few people — or a crowd — gathered to listen. The days were long and tiring, but also filled with accomplishment and encouragement. Rather than following a set itinerary, their direction was determined by the needs of people who were seeking healing, comfort, and the message of love and forgiveness from God’s own Son. And they didn’t lose their way or arrive in the wrong place, because they followed God’s directions.
Going the right way is more easily said than done, but our Lord has some clear and reassuring words for not only his disciples but for all of us. As he spoke with his disciples the week before the crucifixion, he told them he would return soon to his Father, telling them, “And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said, “How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:4, 5b, 6a)
Feeling lost and without direction is hardly a 21st century problem. The early Christians struggled against the pressures and persecutions of the occupying forces of Rome, building communities of faith known as “The Way.” Centuries later, it seems as though every news cycle tells us how discouragingly far off the path we have wandered. But as generations of believers before us have heard, Jesus himself tells us that he is the way, the source of truth and life. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers and enlightens us all, keeping us in the faith. We are never lost, because our Lord himself is always with us!
Grateful to be “on the way,”
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers