Never too far!

"Even if you are exiled to the ends of the world, from there the LORD your God will gather you, and from there he will bring you back."

(Deuteronomy 30:4)

Jody and I love watching THE VOICE. In case you're unfamiliar, it's a singing competition show on NBC. We're huge fans! On this current season (which culminates with a 2-part finale next week), there was a contestant (Stephanie) who grew up in a strict Christian family. I think her father may even have been a Baptist pastor. Anyway, when she came out a few years ago as being gay, the family disowned her. No matter how you feel about homosexuality, that's a tragic experience - to be disowned by your own flesh and blood.

I know we all have times, as humans, when we feel isolated, ostracized, and alone. Sometimes it's the result of others' intentional words/actions. Other times, it's due to decisions we've made, or our own frail human thought processes. And sometimes we project that on to God, as well. We feel like we've isolated ourselves or have been rejected by God for whatever reason.

The Hebrew Scriptures have 2 main life-altering experiences that shape the entire nation and how they see themselves: the Exodus and the Exile. The Exodus was their 40-year move from bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. The Exile occurred many years later... and resulted in many being taken away from Israel to Babylon (and beyond). Almost every story int he Old Testament can be seen through the lens of one or both of these epic events.

The exile was a result of centuries of Israel's willful disregard of God's call for faithfulness, justice, and compassion. Even still, God left ways for His people to return. Both physically and spiritually. Deuteronomy 30 records God's promise to bring back a repentant people - no matter how far they've gone into exile.

I love that image.

None of us have strayed so far in life that God can't bring us back. And nothing we do can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. We may have to face the consequences of our actions, sure... but God's love will remain.

May we work as agents of God's love and grace, speaking words of reconciliation, restoration, and return to ALL (even ourselves!). AMEN.