by Zach Roll

Christ brings us home.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6 English Standard Version

Do you like to go hiking, or going on mountain drives? I do, but I also get paranoid pretty easily. I always remember the times, when I was little, when my family would go up to the mountains for a camping trip. Any time one of them said anything resembling making a wrong turn, or being in the wrong place, I would just lose it. It is a scary feeling to be lost. Those of us who live in Colorado know how beautiful, and how vast, our mountains are. This picture was taken at Royal Gorge in Canon City. It is not hard to get lost when you’re in the mountains. One wrong turn is all it takes.

Isaiah tells us that just like sheep, we try to go our own way, sometimes ignoring our shepherd, and we get ourselves lost, exposing us to all sorts of dangers. When we turn and try to wander off from God, He seeks us out! He does not take it lightly when even one of His children wanders off. God went as far as to offer His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf, so that we have a way back to Him.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 English Standard Version

Whenever you feel yourself starting to wander…be still, and listen. God will always call us back to Himself when we go astray. Let us celebrate the season of Advent, in humble adoration of God, for sending to us a shepherd who lost His life for us, who defeated death in His resurrection, and brought us back into communion with God.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 English Standard Version

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO