Who is influencing you today?
The headline declared, “Young star pulled by wrong crowd may be destined to stray forever.” The story was not about a current movie star, professional athlete, up-and-coming scientist, or American Idol wannabee whose life and career was in danger. The star of the story (no pun intended) was actually in outer space.
Known to astronomers as Tauri Sb, the small star (20 percent of the mass of our sun) used to be part of a four-star family. Scientists have been watching this family of stars for two decades. They noticed that the small star was often drawn towards a larger pair, and as they passed, Tauri Sb increased its speed and took off from its original path and solar family. Based on its trajectory, it appears that Tauri Sb will be wandering through space for a long while.
What sometimes happens in outer space often happens on planet earth, too. You may have heard of the account from the New Testament (Luke 15:11-20) about the prodigal son. It is the story of a young man who wanders from home, wastes the inheritance his father gave him, and pursues poor relationships. Wandering from home usually means wandering from God, but it could include family, friends, or any community you are a part of. And it is sadly evident and too easy to find “friends” who will encourage the wanderer to keep straying.
The primary difference between Tauri Sb and the prodigal Jesus talked about is that the star, if it ever turns home, will be in an orbit so far off track from its original family of stars. Jesus said the young man came back - he faced up to his failure and shame - and came home - right into his father’s loving arms.
The same can be true for anyone who comes to their senses and recognizes that they have allowed themselves to be pulled from a close relationship with God. You do not have to wonder if the Lord wants you and I back - Jesus assures us that He does. We do not have to wait light years to fix our lives before presenting ourselves to God. Jesus said in Luke 15:17-24 that He wants us back right now. He even promises to forgive, cleanse, and restore us to health.
Walk wisely. Who is influencing you today? Where is your life headed? Have you allowed yourself to get pulled away from Jesus by people who aren’t good for you? By school? Financial mismanagement? Misplaced priorities? Do you know that it is never too early to come home to God?
Love is a verb,
Mike O
