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In Bountiful, Utah, a great celebration was held on Tuesday, June 21st on the lawn of the Hawkins family, at news of the safe return of Brennan Hawkins. Neighbors and school children tied yellow ribbons to every part of the family's yard, trees, branches, the family boat included. Folks drove by honking horns and held up signs proclaiming the boy's safe return.
The 11-year old Boy Scout was lost in a mountain wilderness for four days. Although he stayed on the trail as he was instructed, he avoided those who were searching for him on horseback and on all-terrain vehicles since they were strangers to him. He hid from and feared those who could give him help and aid. Brennan had also gone in the opposite direction than his rescuers had thought. He had traveled five miles uphill, rather than down as most children do when lost.
As one reads the gospels, the parallels to our spiritual lost state seem all too clear. Luke records the parables of Jesus in chapter 15 about a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost boy. In the first case, a sheep was lost by wandering away. In the second, a coin was lost out of neglect of another. In the third story, a boy was lost because of personal rebellion. In each case, however, the good news is that God as Shepherd, Owner and Father, respectively, "seeks until he finds," "searches diligently," and "ran and embraced his son."
And just like the friends of little Brennan, Luke records for us that when that which is lost is found, "We just have to celebrate!" There is reason to celebrate when a little boy is found after all hope is nearly gone. But, when the soul of a child of God is the thing that is lost, and finally found and returned to God, then, not only do friends celebrate, but all heaven as well!
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."-Luke 15:10
Tom Nuckels |