Never Abandoned or Forgotten
You probably noticed the abandoned vehicle in our parking lot a couple of weeks ago. Clearly, it was in a state of disrepair with deflated tires, crumbled fenders, and wide-open windows. Fortunately, whoever left the car behind was courteous enough to leave a note, stating that arrangements had been made to tow the car away. By midweek, the car was gone.
Every year thousands of stolen or disabled cars are deserted, but they are not the only items left behind. Many times, people are overlooked and even abandoned. It’s almost as if they have no place in society and no value in life.
Clearly, as Disciples of Christ, we know better. No one, regardless of their circumstances, should ever be abandoned. In our faith journey, we know that even if we are deserted, “the Lord will keep us close” (Psalm 27:10). We also know that “the Lord himself goes before [us] and will be with [us]; he will never leave [us] or forsake [us].” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
So, if God always looks after his people, why should we worry about them? The answer to that question is quite clear in various Scripture passages, including the parable of the lost sheep whose shepherd keeps watch over his flock and goes to great lengths to rescue the one who wanders off.
It’s not our fault when people fall through the cracks, but it is our responsibility to see to it that they don’t perish. When we see that someone is lost or abandoned, we should not look the other way, even if that person contributed to his or her own demise. We could argue that the plight of others is really not our problem, but when we are convicted by the Holy Spirit, we are driven to reach out and help in some way, and by answering God’s call, we know that we are doing His will.
Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John