WANDERING

I read a post yesterday about a mother who had lost her child – for a few minutes – and the sheer terror and panic she felt in that time. She compared that search to Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep. (Gypsy Mama, {One of} the Things Parents Fear the Most)

“Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15: 3-7 NIV).

It reminded me of a trip to Casa Loma, in Toronto, with a Brownie troop many years ago. My daughter, six years old at the time, had a habit of wandering. When shopping I kept a close eye on her as she would be captivated by the lights, the people and the articles on the shelves. She didn’t watch her mother.

I should have known better when the leader of the troop put me in charge of five young girls of the same age. While leading them around the castle, I pointed out the various features, answered questions and made sure they were with me. I assumed that my daughter would follow us. Wrong.

Suddenly I knew she had left. There was an emptiness, and then as I glanced around, sure that she would be there just behind me, an overall panic ensued. As I told the other girls that they were to stick close to me, I frantically started to search in the area where we stood. NO, NOT ANYWHERE.

That castle is huge with 98 rooms. Lady Pellatt’s Suite alone is 3000 square feet. And there were multiple floors, hidden passages, an 800 foot tunnel and over five acres of land.

I decided the best approach was to find help from one of the attendants. I spotted another Brownie leader, asked if she would watch my little group, and set off at a run to find help.

You know, after all these years I can’t remember where I found her or how I found her – but I did. I remember that she was staring at something, totally oblivious to anything around her. She was in her own little world.

My relief felt no bounds; my search had ended; she was safe. All was well.

Do we do that with God? We may know Him and even know Jesus. We may have followed Him before but now have become lost. We have left Him behind. We wander.

I recall that Scripture tells us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. I like the Amplified Bible’s translation:

“Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 Amplified Bible).

The phrase “from all that will distract” – reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8 NIV).

And old song reminds us to “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”. Robin Mark sings about being His lost and found, following Him at all times, good and bad, in “Lost and Found”. You can watch and listen to them below.

Have you wandered? Is Jesus searching for you?

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Hillsong (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfr5rOfimnU)