Lost

Lost. That is one of the more frightening words in our language. Most of us can recall a situation where we were lost at least for a time. Hopefully it was not a threatening situation.

I have a brother 5 years younger than me. I recall something that happened when I was about 8 years old. I was at a nearby house with many family members. Someone heard my sister crying and yelling hysterically from our home. I remember the whole family ran to see what was wrong.

When we arrived she exclaimed my brother was gone. So immediately a massive search began involving perhaps a dozen or more members. They searched the house. They searched the yard. They searched the fields and pastures. But my little brother was seemingly gone.  Lost!  My sister was inconsolable. My parents were as well.

And then someone yelled, “I found him!” What a relief. He had gotten into a car and closed the doors. There he happily sat in the seat playing. And every time someone would yell his name he would answer but no one could hear him. And he was oblivious to what was going on outside. There he sat, happy and safe. And there was great relief among all.

Now here is the point. He was lost. But he didn’t know he was lost. Let that sink in a moment before continuing because I want to make a spiritual application of it.

It is a sad fact that most people are lost spiritually and most do not know it. Now before you condemn me for being so harsh, I am just stating what the Bible says. Matthew 7: 13-14 refers to the narrow gate and the wide gate and the fact that many will choose the one leading to destruction.   Later in the same chapter, verses 21-23 we read “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord…’ And Jesus will say to them, I never knew you, depart from Me.”

Yes it is true. Many, most, the masses, will be lost. But here is the good news. It doesn’t have to be that way. GOD doesn’t want us to be lost. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 states that He desires all men everywhere to be saved.

And because of that desire, HE provided a way. Matthew 11:28-29 “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” He wants us to take advantage of the opportunity.

Being lost here physically is one thing. But being lost spiritually and eternally is infinitely worse. We don’t have to be lost. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Claim Him as your Savior before it is too late. When we make that decision, it will be as it was 50 plus years ago when my little brother was found, there will be rejoicing among all the loved ones.