Lost, Found, and Loved

It's the classic prodigal story.

Young man grows up playing a kids game, and because of what God has given him, finds success. He's lauded as having it all - what they call in baseball circles a "five tool player." He gets noticed, gets signed to a big rookie contract. Then something goes wrong. Prosperity doesn't agree with him and he finds himself addicted to drugs and out of baseball. Not the first time it's happened. Won't be the last.

But there were still people who thought, maybe. Just maybe.

So he got another chance and for a while he showed why he was the number one draft choice out of high school. But then, it happened again.

This time he realized he couldn't do it. That he was flawed. That he needed God. The young man became a Christian in the old fashioned way - he was "born again." And he began the long road of following Christ. But he knew he couldn't make it on his own. So the team he signed with provided a friend- a partner on the journey - to be there and to help the young man stay true to the path he was on.

Great story.

Last week we found out just how great.

Not only did the young man - Josh Hamilton win the MVP of the League Championship Series, and help his team the Texas Rangers go to their first World Series.
Not only did he respond "this is great, but it won't compare to being face to face with Jesus in heaven."

But when the players celebrated their win with the traditional champagne shower in the winning clubhouse...

...they used ginger ale.

Because they too loved Josh Hamilton and wanted to let him know how much.

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 (NLT)

Well, I want you to know that you are loved. Loved by a God who will not give up on you no matter how many times you fall. He's waiting for you to admit you want the life only He can give and turn away from self-control and surrender to His control. You can be lost, found, and loved forever.

Find your story in Jesus.