Discovery and Delight
November 22, 2009
Have you ever lost an item that was extremely valuable? I recall the time my wife lost her wedding ring (which had greater sentimental than material value, I assure you). Still, she was miserable until she found it. Well, it seems clear that Jesus understood that feeling. He told a story about a woman who lost an object that was to her of monumental value. He further described her frantic search to recover that object (Lk. 15:8). But the story does not end in desperation; rather, it ends in celebration. As Jesus continues, we learn that the woman finds her object and is so overjoyed she invites her friends and neighbors to celebrate the event with her (Lk. 15:9). Think of it, folks — desperation that becomes celebration. Well, when members of the West Broad Church of Christ think of the woman in Jesus’ parable, we think of ourselves. Because of sin, we lost the beautiful comforts of peace, security, and divine joy. But we refused to live without those comforts. So we searched, prayed, and studied; then we searched, prayed, and studied some more. As a result of our diligence and God’s graciousness, one day we heard and received the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. We learned of God’s great love for us (Eph. 2:4). And we understood and embraced the new relationship we have with him through Christ (Eph. 2:5-6). Because of the grace and care of God, the desperation of our past has melted into the celebration of our present. That is what this grand and glorious day is all about; we rejoice, and we want our friends and family to rejoice with us! But this party is about more than the great treasure we have discovered; it is about the treasure you can discover, as well. So grab your Bible. Relax. Pray. Open your heart to Jesus. Enjoy the meal after services. And get ready for the “delight” that follows “discovery!” —JLNJR
