Lucky

Lucky
by Pastor Luis Badillo

A jogger noticed a large poster tacked to a tree in her neighborhood. The first word that caught her eye was printed in big black letters: "REWARD! $100.00!"

The jogger was curious, and certainly interested in a reward, so she read on:

LOST DOG!
Black and tan dog of Poodle and German Shepherd descent.
Flea-bitten
Missing left hind-leg
No hair on rump
Going blind
Too old for tricks
Might bite if cornered
Answers to the name of "Lucky"

Lucky! The jogger had to chuckle to herself. How could anyone call a mongrel, flea-bitten, three-legged, mangy, nearly blind, old, and dangerous dog "Lucky"? And who would be crazy enough to pay a $100 reward to get such a dog back?

Then the jogger stopped laughing and a big smile broke over her face. Stop to think of it, this may be one of the luckiest dogs in town. This lucky dog belonged to a family that loved him no matter what. It didn't matter where he came from or what he looked like. It didn't matter whether he could perform tricks or was getting old. All that mattered was that he belonged to the family, and he was lost.

Jesus came to our world because we were lost in sin. He left his home in heaven and offered His life as a reward to get us back and reunite us with God's family. It doesn't matter where we come from or what we look like. It doesn't matter whether we are smart and clever, young or old. All that matters is that He created us and He wants us part of His family forever. And that makes us very "lucky" too. That's the reason we've come to church to sing and praise and pray to our God.

Pastor Luis Badillo is on the pastoral staff of Capital Memorial Church in Washington, D.C.