It's a Familiar Feeling.

Do you ever feel like you don't fit when you gather together with others? Whether it's at work, at a political rally, at church, and sometimes with our own families - it's a common problem we face. 

In the book of Luke, chapter 15, there is a string of stories about lost things. In this trio we can see there's a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In all these parables, there is the One who is searching for the one who is lost. The one who is lost cannot get found on their own. The coin can't get back to where it belongs without help. The sheep cannot get back to the shepherd without the shepherd searching and going after him. But it's the third story, the one about the son, that we can really relate to. 

Feeling removed, possibly separated from family or loved ones, moving to a new location, or having our loved one pass away, those are common things we all go through. Even feeling like we don't fit in a crowd can keep us from what we need most. Sometimes our own actions have prevented us from relationships and those are the hardest things to overcome! We can all identify with that.

In the third parable, we see the son who wants to reconnect with the father. He is prepared to come back as a servant, not as a son. He has squandered his inheritance and has been disrespectful to his father. He doesn't feel worthy of being a true part of the family anymore. It's not until the Father runs to him that He understands. He is found by the father and immediately welcomed back into the family. He is honored as a son!

This is such a vivid picture of who we truly are. Our identity is not in what we bring to the table, in how much we can give, in how many connections we have, or in our own goodness. Our identity is found in the love of the Father. He is seeking for us, running after us, and ready to welcome us home. You don't have to believe yet to belong at the Rock. You fit. You are already valued. You are already loved.