We all like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way (Isaiah  53:6 NIV).

One year as we sat on the beach during our summer vacation, I became aware of the lifeguard blowing his whistle repeatedly at people who had ventured too far from shore.  Most of the time, the piercing blasts were completely ignored, whether purposely or because the swimmers were too far away to hear it was impossible to tell.

As our peace was disturbed by the lifeguard’s repeated efforts to get the attention of those who had strayed, I found myself wondering how often we are like those unheeding swimmers.  How frustrating it must be for the Lord as He repeatedly warns us of the dangerous waters into which we have strayed, and we repeatedly ignore His warnings!

Then, to my amazement, the lifeguard himself finished my analogy as he illustrated further the behavior of our faithful “Heavenly Lifeguard.”  Letting the whistle fall from his lips, the lifeguard climbed down from his “high place” and went into the water himself to bring back those who had wandered away. 

Thank you, Jesus, that just like that persistent lifeguard, you came down from your high place to seek and to save us when we were lost.  Amen.

(Devotional adapted from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page.  Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Leana’s Books, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445.)