January 2026
“For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
Grace and peace to you all! I hope this day finds you warm, healthy, and content.
I’m not sure why it is, but our parking lot is extremely welcoming to dogs. We had another two wander in on the 7th of January, a pair of stray shepherds looking as though they had been out in the elements for a few days but otherwise no worse for wear. No collars on them, laying down on the blacktop, they seemed lost and alone, a little afraid but willing to eat when food was offered. Eventually one of them was even eager for attention, coming over and nudging my hand for pets and pressing herself against my legs.
I wish I had a better ending for St. Luke’s part in their tale: despite my efforts to keep them safe, they managed to get out during the night and are now I know not where. At this point I can only pray that someone else finds them and manages to give them the care they need.
I feel a sense of rightness knowing that they were here, though. I do not begrudge the time I spent feeding them, petting them, and giving them affection they clearly needed. Like them, we are a collection of the lost. We are all a part of the fallen mass of humanity, a kaleidoscope of sinners seeking safety and security. We are each of us part of the narrative of a broken world.
In our brokenness, we each came searching for something: community, reassurance, love. We came to this place recognizing that it holds something we need, finding something that gives us life. And once we realized our belonging, we became followers of Christ.
As followers of Christ, we are called to tend to the lost. We are called to care for strays that come into our midst, offering them something that gives them life: community, reassurance, love, and the chance to find belonging among us.
Sometimes they may wander away, and we will have to pray that they find the care they need elsewhere. But while they are among us, we should recognize the rightness of their presence, knowing that Christ came to seek out and save the lost. May we feel that call every day of our lives.
Blessings, Pastor Rob