Lost

April 26, 2007

By James Bevis

Not long ago the media focused on the tragic news of three men lost on Oregon’s Mount Hood. Search and rescue operations were ongoing around the clock. Volunteers as well as professional teams searched diligently for the men because they knew time was running out quickly.

News headlines frequently tell of an individual or group that gets lost in one way or another. Good-hearted friends and neighbors come out en masse to offer assistance and help search. When a lost person is found we rejoice. This person has another chance at life.

The Bible tells us everyone who exists on the face of the earth is lost and in need of salvation. People are lost eternally if they do not know Jesus as their personal Savior. Just think of the many people who are lost and don’t even know it. I once had a co-worker who would say when the subject came up, “I’m not lost; I know exactly where I am.” He replied this way every time I tried to witness to him.

When we try to compare eternity with this world we live in, the tragedy of being lost is infinitely multiplied. It makes me think of all the lost people who are headed for a terrible and unending future of God’s judgment.

“This world is not my home,” the old song says, “and I’m just passing through, just a pilgrim headed for a city.” If you can sing that song, you are blessed. But what about all the other people who can’t?

Are we witnessing? Are we inviting people to church? Jesus said He came to seek and save the lost. In the Great Commission, He commanded all who follow Him to go into the entire world and preach the gospel.

Spiritually speaking, we need to volunteer to search for the lost. We probably won’t have to look very far!

Rev. James Bevis has worked more than 20 years for the Tennessee Department of Correction and currently serves at the Wayne County Boot Camp in Clifton, Tenn.