Guiding the Lost Home
Written by Dawn Okrasinski
In my Thirties, I had the privilege of spending time with large groups of Juniors and Seniors preparing for Confirmation. Committing to one's faith was taken very seriously in our church. We took a year to mentor, pray, and teach those ready and called to stand before their church to dedicate their lives to Christ. One of the highlights of this preparation was a three-day retreat. The culmination of this retreat was a ceremony developed by the teachers to provide a reverent ending wrapped in prayer, music, and celebration.
During one retreat, we had planned a ceremony where they would come up to a table during a song and lay a stone down, representing a barrier keeping them from an intimate relationship with Jesus. Then, they would light a candle representing their faith and commitment. The gentle strumming of a hymn began, and the teens came up one by one. The small flames began to illuminate the dark room. Towards the end, a young man walked to the table and laid his stone on the piles already there. Striking a match, he turned to his peers, saying, "I am not lighting a candle, but am holding this match up to say to all of you that I am committing to being that light for you if your candle should go out. I will be there to fill you with the Holy Spirit and relight your faith."
The teachers observing from the back of the hall were deeply touched. I can't say if this statement impacted the kids around that table as much as it did us, but the confidence in that young man was humbling. When I remember that moment, I think of Psalm 97:11 (NIV) Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. How could you not be drawn to the significance of one young person confident enough to reflect the light of the world? His love was one of action and commitment, and his mission was clear. Like a lighthouse standing steadfast upon a rock guiding ships from stormy waters, Jesus had called him to disciple his lost peers and welcome them into safe harbors. I wondered how someone so young already had a handle on his brand of evangelism. Would I ever indeed have that?
The first time I read Matthew's Sermon on the Mount, it was one of those spirit-filled moments that got my attention. I had a deep desire to shine that light. I provided drug and alcohol treatment to lost boys, who often were already a bit broken by their lives. Some were serving time before they even had learned to drive. They came with their unique layers of protective hardness, keeping a barrier between them and me. I struggled to get through to them more times than not, but my life experience allowed me to see past the shame, hurt, and anger. Matthew's message inspired me to love them right where they were at, and I did, taking any given opportunity to radiate God's light. Talking about Jesus in a state-funded facility was frowned upon, maybe even illegal, I don't know, but when you teach and serve in an energy of God's love, things do tend to happen. Occasionally, during a quiet counseling session, that hard exterior would begin to crack, and knowing who I was, they would quietly ask for prayer. My heart would soar above our bowed heads as God rejoiced.
We are each called to disciple in our unique way formed by our faith journeys. And, like a lighthouse, we use our stories to reflect Christ's merciful light guiding others back to his love. Let us each bear witness to that true light today. Let us welcome home the lost.
Call to Action: Pray and Reflect
Matt: 5:14(NLT) You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let our good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
2 Cor 4:6 (MSG) It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" And our lives filled up with the light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
Psalm 40:10 (NIV) I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.
John 1:7 (NIV) He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.
Reflections:
1. Prayerfully ask how you, in your unique way, can be the light of Christ. Share what you learn with others who are like-minded for support and encouragement.
2. The Holy Spirit often places those we should approach and seek in our hearts. This week be aware when that call enters your heart. How could you outreach in a way that would be meaningful to that person and authentic to your faith and truth?
3. Has there ever been a time when you felt lost or disconnected from God's love? How did you find your way back? There is your God-breathed story to share! Journal this experience.
4. Spend time this week carving time out in scripture and quietly connected to Christ, asking what role you should have in his plan for those loved ones lost. You may be surprised that it is different than what you first thought.
