Read James 5:19-20
James has an interesting way of bringing this letter to a close. There’s no “see you soon” or “have a nice life” kind of ending. This letter has been full of content from the start. Certainly, James’ parting thoughts have been full of wisdom. And his devotion to his readers by calling them “dear brothers and sisters” concludes what has been a recurring theme. James is not a stranger to his audience.
In these two short verses, we see James’ version of searching after the lost. Matthew’s gospel reveals a series of stories about lost items. Jesus used those parables to emphasize the importance of not leaving anybody behind. Or, as Paul puts it, God “wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
Many of the people we know don’t realize the enormous gift of salvation they have been offered. Some have turned their backs dealing with hurts from experiences with “church people.” Some are ignoring the message thinking their lives will have to drastically change if they follow Christ.
Those who fear the gift of salvation don’t understand it’s beauty. They don’t understand the freedom. They have not experienced Jesus’ touch on their life. I have experienced Jesus’ touch, and my life has changed drastically. I now yearn to continue to grow in Christ. Only then can I be the radical follower of Christ God designed me to be. I know changes need to be made and are happening at this very moment. They are exhilarating!
How can I not share this good news? What am I afraid will happen? Why is it that sharing about a good movie is so much easier than sharing about Jesus, the one and only truth? We can come up with all sorts of excuses, fumble around and say nothing. You can bet James’ audience was good at that as well.
Thankfully, the truth is still the truth, and we can still find those who have wandered away. To do so, we need to move. We need to get out of our comfortable little corners of the world and open our eyes. There are lost people everywhere! Even people attending church may be wanderers still not hearing the message clearly.
Tear-jerk moments happen when people are reunited. I remember videos of soldiers coming home from war to surprise loved ones or a lost puppy finding its way home only to be cuddled in the arms of its owner. We should be equally moved by this line, “you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.” Let that sink in just a moment. What an honor it is to rescue, and what a teachable moment for all involved to witness this rescue. Have you ever had that honor? I’m tearing up a bit, just remembering those precious times.
Maybe you’ve been the wanderer or are wandering a bit right now. Maybe you’ve already been rescued by someone who took these verses seriously and understood they simply echo what Jesus calls us to do. We need to be making disciples. That may mean finding the wandering disciples that have lost their way. Jesus’ love and acceptance is for all who believe and accept him.
If you’ve been rescued in the past, do you remember how that felt? You have a “before and after” testimony to share! How did it feel to be loved by someone that much to not be left behind? Maybe you’ve never thought about it as an act of love. Indeed, what a loving act of faithfulness!
Being rescued as a wanderer, I felt like someone wrapped me in a warm blanket while telling me “It’s going to be okay.” That’s what coming home to faith in Jesus feels like for this wanderer.
Some wanderers just got lazy in their faith. Others left intentionally and may even be on the run from God. It’s helpful to know the difference. Your rescue mission may need some reinforcements if resistance is expected. The Holy Spirit’s power will both provide the support you need to do your part and work in the hearts of those you invite into your lifeboat of faith.
Ask God today to help you spot those wanderers you can help in some way. And if it is you that is wandering, know that I am praying for you to be rescued by the truth you read in God’s word. Stay connected with the Devotions on the Go! book series or my daily blog. Either way, I’m going to close using the benediction from Numbers 6:24-26: “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Since James didn’t end his book that way, I thought I’d close that way instead!)
Let’s pray. Father, I know what it feels like to be wandering away from you. Feeling lost, alone, unsure, and afraid was not a pleasant way to live. I always knew you were there, and I thank you for sending the angels you did to rescue me. Now use me to be that angel to somebody else. Show me the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
