Back when I was an Explorer Scout our gang decided to go spelunking. We arrived at the cave with our grubby clothes and carbide lamps. As we entered the cave, we navigated several areas where we had to crawl through narrow openings. I remember getting disoriented and losing my way. As I became separated from the group, my carbide lamp went out and I was completely enmeshed in darkness. Panic crept over me when I couldn’t find my way back. Eventually, my buddies found me, and we got out of the cave.
The Bible tells the story of several believers who lost their way for a while. Moses committed murder, David committed adultery, and Jonah ran from the Lord. Mark quit the missionary team and Peter denied his Lord. The prophet Elijah sunk into depression and sat under a broom tree. Yet God in His grace helped all of these to find their way back. I like to think of these straying saints as God’s comeback kids. With each of them God used various methods to help them find their way back. God gave Moses a burning bush and for Jonah, He used a great fish to swallow him. David was confronted by the courageous prophet Nathan and an angel ministered to Elijah. Mark had his cousin Barnabas to help him come back from his premature pack-up. Peter was restored to full usefulness by the Lord Jesus Himself when He asked Peter if he really loved Him.
All of us are tempted to wander away from our Lord. When we do, we find ourselves enmeshed in our own sinfulness. Yet I am so glad that we have a loving Lord who loves us so much that He does not leave us in our cave. Hebrews 12: 5,6 says: "…My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives”. God in His grace comes after us when we are under the broom tree, or when we are in the bottom of the boat or warming ourselves at the enemy’s fire. He is right there showing us the way back.
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