At All Cost

Terry and Marion Jones were lost. Their story splashed across the pages of the Denver Post and over the radio airwaves this week. The couple had started a routine camping adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park, but a wrong turn had incrementally taken them to a location that provided nothing but dead ends.

For four days they survived and waited. What they hoped was happening, was. Family, friends, community and local experts mobilized. Casual concern turned into an all out pursuit. The hunt was on. Hikers, dogs, airplanes and helicopters were deployed in an all out effort.

Those that knew and loved the couple waited at the Big South Trailhead, hoping, reflecting, wondering, praying, and believing.

It was on the front page of the Denver Post, September 7, 2007. The couple emerging out of the wooded trail with their rescuers at their side. There was celebration. There were tears of joy. There was relief and exhilaration. Terry and Marion Jones were back.

Celebration. How biblical! Luke 15 declares, describes and dictates that when the lost is found, when the wanderer is returned, when the rebel reconciles? celebration, in grand proportion.

But the father said to his servants, “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And they began to celebrate. ~ Luke 15:22-24

Confined to the natural consequence of our wandering, we are lost. But the rescuer pursues, with abandon, determination and commitment. He is not distracted or discouraged. At all cost.

Then, celebration. At the trailhead. With the family. The lost is found. Celebrate!