THE CRY OF THE LOST

TRETS 13SEPT16             THE CRY OF THE LOST        Lk .15. 11-24, Lk. 16.23-31

The lost are the sinners in the world. They are like the prodigal son who strayed away from his father’s home. They are lost because they once belonged to the father (by creation) before they were deceived by Satan (through sin) and damned in the world. They are in the far country of famine; fetish practices and idol worship. Many of them are even in other places of worship but their hearts are too far from God. The lost are in several categories. While some are like the prodigal son who wept in time of adversity and returned to the father, others had been deluded with fame, wealth and power that they didn’t think of their latter end. They are lost spiritually as sinners in this world and if they are not reached before they die, they would be lost eternally in hell fire. The story of Lazarus and the rich man brings to us the depth of agony and lamentation of the lost soul. Though he lived sumptuously in this world, the rich man couldn’t remember any of his riches in eternity. The flames and the burning heat of hell was so devastating that he cried for a drop of cold water to cool his tongue but was denied. It was then he realized, Alas! It is finished! All hope is lost! All help is gone! Life is wasted and hell is a reality. He cried, but it was too late. What a loss! What a calamity and what regret that life would be no more. No second chance, no other opportunity, its weeping and crying forever. Believers are to rise up promptly to seek them before this final tragedy because failure to do so would amount to wasting the Saviours resources and becoming partakers of the sinner’s blood. Therefore, if the Christians of today will not be lost like the sinners, we all need to wake up from our slumber and consecrate ourselves to the commands of our Master reaching out to the lost sinners with the gospel message.

THE CONDITIONS OF THE SINNERS.    Rom.1. 28-30, Isa. 33.14, Ezek.34.5, Eph. 2.12, Luke 16.19, Jeremiah 8:20; Matt. 9:36; Luke 15:17; Proverbs 13:21, Rev. 20:11-15.

The sinful man is wretched and hopeless.  Although some of them are religious, yet they are restless having neither hope (hopeless) in this life nor in eternity. They live in fear day after day because once death comes; they know not what lies ahead of them. The sinners are always living under the wrath and damnation of the almighty God.  They are scattered and are prey to the enemy. They have no strength to overcome Satan who keeps them in perpetual captivity. Completely, they are separated from peace and safety. We need to pity them and have compassion on them. This compassion must lead us to lead them to the loving savior who is able to redeem them from their indignation and wretchedness. Unfortunately, they have limited time now, and Satan is targeting them to take them to hell. Will you allow him? Will you feel unconcerned; won’t you think of Christ’s suffering and death for them? Listen to their cry from hell for help, but it may be too late if you delay. If Jesus had saved us and redeemed us in His mercy and grace, we must have compassion on the sinners as well, and we must go and be deeply committed to bringing them back to the Lord.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SOUL WINNING 

Mark 16:19, 20; John 4: 34; 9:4; Romans 1:14-16; Acts 20: 24; 21:13, 14; 26:19, 20;

The condition of the lost must lead us to be compassionate on them. Our compassion must further bring out commitment from our heart and life to rescue the perishing sinners. Soul-winning is a product of strong consecration and commitment. The word of Christ, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) deserves every believer’s attention. Preaching the gospel and winning souls for Christ should not be stopped by some would be event. Paul the apostle affirmed his commitment by saying “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God”. (Acts 20:24). The soul-winner should be: (1) Undeterred by some prevailing responses -Acts 13:46 (2) Unsatisfied by the present result- “…there is room” (Luke 14:22,23) (3) Unveiling places and people ready for repentance (John 4:35)

It is also important to understand that the mandate is one that must be done constantly, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…” (II Timothy 4:2). And continuously because- (i) The time is running out (John 9:4); (ii) The fields are ripe for harvest (John 4:34-35; Joel 3:14); (iii) The repentance of a sinner causes Joy in Heaven (Luke 15:10); (iv) The time of the Lord’s coming is unknown to man“…for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42); (v) The unfathomable torment awaiting sinners in Hell (Matthew 25: 30, 46). Remember Christ our perfect example during his earthly ministry was always busy with this divine mandate of soul-winning (John 4:34), hence, believers must emulate this example and ensure faithfulness to this indispensable mandate

COMMENDATION FROM THE SAVIOUR

Luke 10:1, 2, 17-19; Psalm 126:5, 6; John 4:35, 36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-8; 1Timothy 5:18

"In all labour there is profit!" (Proverbs 14:23). However, the reward for faithful laborers in the harvest of souls is incomparable with any earthly reward or material gain. It is an eternal investment that yields great dividends in spite of famine or flood. Whatever you invest in the saving of souls will be returned to you a hundredfold. "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Soul-winning is indeed rewarding on earth and eternally with a glorious, worthy and impressive crown, “…for the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). There is no expenditure too expensive, no demand too difficult, no commitment too costly and no labour too large and no sacrifice too superfluous.  “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). Moreover, the sight of won souls in that great gathering of the saints on the final day will be awesome (Revelation 7:9-17).  Our Lord’s final commendation “well done” will be a comforting pearl for all soul winners. Our Savour and Lord Jesus Christ will gloriously crown the soul winner and he will among others: (1) Wear a glorious crown – I Peter 5:4; Daniel 12:3 (2) Win a great commendation - Matthew 25:21,23 (3) Walk on the street of gold - Revelation -21:21.