"God's Lifeguard"
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5 : 19 – 20 ESV) If you are a wanderer, come home! If you know and love someone who is wandering, go get the wanderer! People everywhere tend to wander, even in the church. That is why the Book of James addresses this problem in a practical letter to believers. |
The kind of discipleship he is talking about is never solitary --- it is always life in the context with other Christ followers. The tone is emphatic, as if he is shouting, “My brothers and sisters, family of God! Go get the wanderer!” If we are really brothers and sisters, if we are true family, we bear responsibility for our wandering siblings.
The life of a wanderer is characterized by rebellion and danger. He roams around and never settles down. His relationships are momentary. He is lost, vaguely wondering if there is anything better. And wanderers can be daughters as often as they are sons.
But there is still hope for a wanderer. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. When James writes, “if anyone among you wanders,” there are no disclaimers like, “She’s too far gone,” “His life is too complicated,” or “It’s too messy. I can’t get into that mess.” This is about anyone.
Picture a prodigal. . . a fearful, doubtful, sensual, or willful wanderer. Does God’s Spirit bring a specific person to mind whom He wants you to approach? Perhaps it is someone obvious --- a child, a sibling, a close friend --- to whom your heart immediately turns. Go bring that person back!
The stakes could not be higher. “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” This is not referring to physical death, but to the second death, an eternity separated from God in hell (see Revelation 20 : 14 – 15). Although God may allow His children to wander, He never gives up on any of them. Neither should we.
Going and finding a wanderer is messy business. Your heart will be heavy, your feelings may be hurt, and your toes could get stepped on. But are we selfless enough to risk our own comfort to rescue a wandering soul?
If you were once a wanderer and have come home, someone was used by God to bring you back. It is time to reciprocate that priceless gift. Ask God to enable you to reach out. . . then go get the wanderer!
Because He Lives,
Pastor Dave
dmagee@dbicc.org
The life of a wanderer is characterized by rebellion and danger. He roams around and never settles down. His relationships are momentary. He is lost, vaguely wondering if there is anything better. And wanderers can be daughters as often as they are sons.
But there is still hope for a wanderer. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. When James writes, “if anyone among you wanders,” there are no disclaimers like, “She’s too far gone,” “His life is too complicated,” or “It’s too messy. I can’t get into that mess.” This is about anyone.
Picture a prodigal. . . a fearful, doubtful, sensual, or willful wanderer. Does God’s Spirit bring a specific person to mind whom He wants you to approach? Perhaps it is someone obvious --- a child, a sibling, a close friend --- to whom your heart immediately turns. Go bring that person back!
The stakes could not be higher. “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” This is not referring to physical death, but to the second death, an eternity separated from God in hell (see Revelation 20 : 14 – 15). Although God may allow His children to wander, He never gives up on any of them. Neither should we.
Going and finding a wanderer is messy business. Your heart will be heavy, your feelings may be hurt, and your toes could get stepped on. But are we selfless enough to risk our own comfort to rescue a wandering soul?
If you were once a wanderer and have come home, someone was used by God to bring you back. It is time to reciprocate that priceless gift. Ask God to enable you to reach out. . . then go get the wanderer!
Because He Lives,
Pastor Dave
dmagee@dbicc.org