August 28, 2024

The rescue of Qaid Farhan al-Qadi by the Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday is a neat story. The 52-year-old hostage was captured by Hamas and held captive since the October 7 attacks. His family has been rightfully beside themselves hoping beyond hope, it seemed, that he would be rescued. Well, he was, sort of by accident. The Israeli commandoes were carefully searching some of the Hamas tunnel network when they discovered Qaid behind a door, yet unguarded. The reunion with his family was pure joy.

There are going to be many highlights in Luke’s gospel yet to come. One of them will be in chapter 15 when Jesus tells the parable about the lost sheep. This story is one of the defining moments in his ministry. Jesus is the good shepherd who goes after his sheep when they are lost. He doesn’t find us coincidentally, but intentionally. He will not quit until he finds us and brings us home and when he does, the celebration is pure joy.

This is our King. This is our Savior. This is our Shepherd. This is our God. He loves to save, to rescue, to find and to restore. Believe that and enjoy that.

Jesus said, if I am lost

He will come to me

And He showed me on that cross

He will come to me

For the Lord is good and faithful

He will keep us day and night

We can always run to Jesus

Jesus, strong and kind

From the song, Jesus Strong and Kind by CityAlight, Colin Buchanan and Keith and Kristyn Getty

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 8:22-25