The Need of Mankind

So He told them this parable, saying, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15:3-7

It was several years ago when a flight from Washington’s National Airport went down into the icy Potomac River. Many were killed, and the media told of heroic actions by several rescuers, including one man who dove into the frigid waters to save a drowning woman.

While the believer seldom captures society’s attention and applause as did the man in the above incident, he has the opportunity to participate in an ongoing rescue of immense proportions. Each day we pass by people in our neighborhoods and offices and chat with a variety of people - all of whom are in a dire state of spiritual death. Though their outward demeanor may reflect confidence and happiness, they are in a perilous state - subject to the unspeakable sufferings of hell apart from their personal acknowledgment of Christ as savior.

Every Christian carries the lifeline of salvation. To how many of those we know, love, and befriend have we told about Jesus Christ? Helping others out of their helpless state of sin does not require heroic efforts. All that is necessary is the willingness to extend the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. “...Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). Such rescue efforts may not gain praise on earth, but heaven celebrates. Another soul is safe.

“Save others, snatching them out of the fire...” Jude 1:23