Reflections of a generation

I come from a generation of lost sheep. Sheep that wandered away from the fold. Some drifted little by little, some ran like they were being chased by a lion, but most of us have gone astray. Every time I get together with someone, I receive word of another that has gone, lost to the wind and the waves that life throws at us. They throw the baby out with the bathwater, and abandon the King because His “followers” have done them wrong. Make no mistake, I get it. I had my run-ins with the self-righteous fools. I have my bruises and scars from the delusionals, but the King is not the same as His court. The leader is not the same as His followers. So, to all my lost children, all I can say is this:

Come home.

Come home with your hatred. Come home with your anger. Come home with your list of things you don’t want to give up. Tell Him all about how hard it is, and how badly you don’t want to part with the things that matter to you. Let Him see how resistant you are to what He has for you. He knows. Oh, he already knows. He knows about the struggle, the hurt and the pain. He knows about the tide, how it’s pulling again. He knows all the things you do and don’t want to be. He knows all these things and still says “come to me.” 

Come into my arms, and we’ll learn to get it right. You’re rescued from harm, and I’ll give you new sight. My child, come back, for your way leads to death. You might not see it now because you’ve slowly gone deaf. Deaf to the sounds, more real than your cares. As strong as a gust of strong wind through the air. But I know of your sorrows, your cries and your woes. I know of them all and stay still “friend, come home.” 

You don’t need to be perfect, smart, wise or right. You can come with your sword, and put up a fight. But what matters most, the one thing, above all. Is that no matter how faintly, you answer the call. The call of the savior, the risen now King. Above all, He just asks for one thing. Follow me, now, wherever I lead. We’ll work it all out, all the lust and the greed. The love for things worthy, but only in place. Instead of fake glory, learn to seek His face. 

Oh, it’s greater than gold, it’s greater than jewels. Chase anything else, and you’ll look like a fool. He may ask for your wealth,your power and fame, but to have the true savior call you by name. It may not seem like much, on the surface, right now. But I can say that it’s better, just don’t ask me how. Though I don’t understand it, some of the details are lost. I can say that I’ve counted, and it’s all worth the cost. Though some days are rough, they’re tough and they’re heavy. He keeps my feet grounded, and my gaze always steady. 

I know I’m not perfect, and never will be. Still He beckons deeper, and says “come travel with me.” We’ll go on long journeys that nourish great peace. He slows all my worry, and heart-pounding can cease. Sometimes it’s hard, because I think I know best. Sometimes the rage swells deep in my chest. But He deals with me softly, with a wise, gentle touch. He carries me often, when life is too much. 

Oh, my dear friend, come home. Make haste, don’t delay! Just take the first step, come further this way! Come see what you’ll find, He fears not a test. Just ask for a pitch, and history’s the rest! All that He asks, and all that He seeks: a heart willing to start, come before it gets bleak!