July 7, 2022 - Imagine visiting in a home and having the opportunity to get to know the family that lives there. Then, you do not see them for a year or so and then go back for another visit. This time you notice one of the children is not there when it’s time for dinner and everyone is around the table.
So, you ask, “Didn’t you have a little boy named Billy when I was here before? I haven’t seen him tonight. Where is he?”
The family members exchange glances and look a bit puzzled. You start to doubt yourself and think you are mistaken. Then one of the family members says, “Oh, yes, now I remember Billy. But, you know, we don’t know what happened to him. We haven’t seen him for several months now. He seemed like a nice boy too.” The rest of the family smiles and nods and yes, they remember Billy too. They speak pleasantly and kindly of Billy, but no one can remember seeing him for a long time and no one knows why he left.
You know, in God’s family, this scene is replayed over and over in congregations all over our land. There are brothers and sisters who have not been seen around the Lord’s table in months or even years. Wonder how God feels about that? So, maybe, just maybe, if you at some point left God’s family table, it’s time to “come to yourself” as did the prodigal son in Luke chapter 15 and make your way home.
It’s something to think about. . . tbp
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