Where are They Now?

"Where are they now?" It's a common question people ask about celebrities who've fallen out of the spotlight. People want to know what happened to a child actor (What is Jonathan Taylor Thomas up to these days?) or to a once-famous singer (How come we hardly ever hear about Bryan Adams anymore?). VH1 even had a show called Where Are They Now? at one point.

"Where are they now?" It's not a question people have to ask about still-famous celebrities. Tim Allen from Home Improvement is now Tim Allen from Last Man Standing. He's still the voice of Buzz Lightyear. He's moved on from one famous role to another.

"Where are they now?" Families at Atonement come and go. Many move to the area and many move away. We ask the question, "Where are they now?" and are greeted with the answer, "They've moved. They found a new church close to their new home." And, although we're sad they're gone, we're glad they're happy and have found a new place to worship God.

But, that's not always the case. Some people simply stop coming to church. Maybe it's because they thought they didn't fit in anymore. Maybe it's because they fell into a sin and didn't want to or didn't think they could come back. Maybe it's because they were offended by someone at church. Maybe it's because their needs weren't met. "Where are they now?"

The sad thing is sometimes we can't even answer the question. We've lost a member of the family and the question "Where are they now?" is answered with a shrug and a sigh.

Jesus always goes looking for the lost sheep. He knows where they are now. He knew where you were when you were lost. He came and found you through his Word, put you on his shoulders, and carried you home. He sent people who cared about you to tell you about how he came to seek and to save you, the lost sheep. He forgave you all your sins and opened the door to heaven to you.

Now, through you, a saved lamb, he seeks the lost sheep. Have you looked around church lately? Have you noticed anyone missing? "Where are they now?" Take a look at our picture board outside my office. Is there a face you recognize but haven't seen recently? Go looking for them! Let them know you miss them! Let them know Jesus still loves them! That we still love them, too!

If a member of your family went missing, how would feel? Would you say, "They can take care of themselves. They don't need me"? Or, would you reach out? Would you file a missing person's report? Would let them know you still care?

The people of Atonement are your family. When someone goes missing, we go looking for them. We bring them back. We let them know they are still our brothers and sisters because that's what Jesus has made us through faith in him.