"Several times while hiking in the mountains of Colorado I have missed markers along the trail and have wandered off course. I stare in confusion at my map and compass, trying not to panic. Already I've wasted precious time and energy, and I know the dangers of spending the night unprepared in a high-altitude wilderness.
At last I see another hiker and call out. When I reach him, he kindly takes my map and shows me where I am and where I need to go. Anxiety fades as I realize I'm no longer lost. I know the way home.
I must say, though, that I've also found unexpected treasures on those mountain detours, views and discoveries that few other hikers get to experience. Once I know I'm safe, I can look back on my hours of lostness as an adventure, one I can learn from. Strangely enough, some of the scariest times, such as when I “cliff out” and can't find a way down, become the stories I like to swap with fellow climbers.
... Many of Jesus' own stories center on the theme of lostness, captured most movingly in the parable of the prodigal son. Jesus' tales of lostness—a coin, a sheep, a son—make two important points.
First, the lost are a high priority, worth whatever effort it takes to find them, even if it means leaving the ninety-nine to search for the one. Second, when found the lost deserve to be celebrated. "This brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found," cried the joyful father, defending his open arms of grace before the resentful older brother."
Should be a great book. I have most of his others which can be viewed HERE.
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