For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).
There are few worse feelings than those which rush up when you realise you are lost. Hopelessly lost. Haven’t a clue where you are, or how to get to where you want to be. Two thoughts flash into your head: how will I find my way back; and will anyone find me?
It doesn’t take a genius to see how this can also apply to the spiritual life. You can feel lost in life, and things look pointless. Isolated, how will you ever find your way back? God seems far distant, if there at all. Panic might not rise, but depression will probably fall. A dark place indeed.
There is a wonderful hope contained in this verse: it is Christ who seeks us out. It is not a case of finding Christ, but being found by him. It is impossible to be lost when you are in the flock of the good shepherd, so when you do feel spiritually alone then pray and hope. The cloud will pass, and Christ will come. He will “seek and save the lost”.
After all, that is why he came in the first place.
