Missing: A Member of the Family
By Abraham Eli
Missing Pet Poster on Wall of Bricks. Photo credit: Paweł Czerwiński and Jordan Davis
Coming from a society where human rights is a major challenge, it was indeed both shocking and surprising to read a flyer posted on the streets of Chula Vista, California, about a missing dog. More shocking was the reference to the missing dog as "A member of the family". The other part of the flyer then went on to describe the weight and other features of the dog, including its photograph!
Months later, I saw another poster, this time of a cat! As I was joking in my heart about how Americans would show so much concern for an animal (pet) that was lost, the Spirit of God began communicating with me on how He does the same things for man and even more. God sends missionaries at the risk of their lives, to go all over the world and seek out the lost and direct them back home to Himself.
He said, just like a missing dog is unable to read the posters pasted all over the community, people who are lost (separated from God) are unable to read the flyers of God has sent out on them, which is pasted, posted all over the world in a book called the Bible.
God has placed His 'poster' with the caption: 'MISSING: A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY!', together with our 'description' and 'photographs', in the bible, but since we are unable to read it, He has sent men who were once lost and are now saved, to go all over the world and use this 'poster' to identify and tell all those who are lost of His love and concern for them; and of the forgiveness that awaits them when they return to Him!
The lost are people of different nationalities, cultures, tongues and tribes, and yet, are members of His family. They are White, Black, Hispanic, Indian; politicians, police officers, diplomats, prostitutes, Hollywood stars, drug traffickers, drug addicts, murderers, bankers, religious leaders, founders of religious orders, armed robbers; wealthy, poor, employees, employers, the unemployed, students; the old, the young, kindergartens; etc., etc. in summary, the lost is anyone and everyone who is yet to hear about Jesus Christ, and receive Him as their Lord and personal Saviour.
The message on the 'poster' reads in part: "Come now, and let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword." (Isaiah 1:18-20), and "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins." (Isaiah 43:25).
There was once a young man who left home on his own volition to pursue a life of 'absolute' freedom. Not too long after he embarked on his quest, he ran out of money, and to make ends meet, he picked up a job which paid pittance. One day, after he was reduced to wanting to eat pig feed, he thought of home, and realized that his father treated his servants far better than he was being treated where he had run to; so he decided to return home and ask for his father's forgiveness and to request to be treated as one of his father's servants. But while he was a long way from home, his father, who had over the years being looking forward to receiving his lost son back home, sighted him afar off, and immediately gave instructions to his servants to prepare for a celebration. He then ran off to welcome his lost son home, for he said, "This son of mine was dead, but now, he is alive!" When he got to his son, the young man gave his rehearsed speech of repentance and entreaty to be down-graded to the position of a servant; but his father told him that he was still very much regarded as a son and a member of the family, and that a celebration was already being prepared for him.
As seemingly unforgivable as it is to have lived a life of rebellion and sinfulness, God is still waiting to welcome you home. Anyone who has no personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ is 'lost' and 'dead'; but when that individual returns to God and enters into such a personal relationship, that individual suddenly comes alive. He or she will receive joy, eternal life in Christ, and a meaning in life. The past life of sin, sorrow, shame, and self- inflicted injuries, are wiped off and a new life of righteousness, joy, celebration, and divine wholeness is given in exchange. You can receive this new life today, and indeed, right now, if you would return home to God, through Jesus Christ! No matter how horrible a life you may have lived, Jesus will take that horrible life and wash it in His precious blood (shed for the remission of sin on the cross at Calvary) and cleans you up every wit.
It is time to return home to God. He loves and cares for your well-being. He has sent out His word to you to return home, because you are a member of His family! What a privilege to belong to the most royal family ever known! The ball is in your court!