The Lost

I seen a crudely indecent bumper sticker. I looked at the woman in the car as I passed. I just knew she was lost and I felt very sad for her. Immediately I prayed for her. But I need to admit this isn’t my usual response. Mostly I’m disgusted with sin on display. I’m so thankful Jesus came to earth for all of us sinners. Many have beautiful stories of God’s love and mercy intervening and offering a better way. Jesus saves the lost.

Adam and Eve’s first son, Cain, gave himself over to sin. In anger he killed his brother. He was under a curse and driven away. God told him, “You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” (Genesis 4:12) This is a good description for the lost among us - restless wanderers. Searching everywhere for salvation from the curse of their sin. Which will never be found apart from God. “Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.” (Genesis 4:16) Nod means wandering. Cain’s unbearable punishment was separation from God’s presence.

I once was lost. Restless. Wandering. Then God intervened in my life. Jesus atoned for my sins. And I experienced the presence of God. Jesus is the answer! “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) If you’re enslaved by sin, “Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” (Acts 3:19) Call on the name of the Lord! You can be refreshed, cleansed, born again, made new and truly alive. Able to proclaim, I once was lost but now I’m found.