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“God
forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for
you…” I Samuel 12:23
The prophet Samuel carried a great burden for the children of
Israel. So often the Jewish people turned away from God and walked
an errant way. Samuel, as a man of God, realized that he had not
only the privilege, but also the responsibility to pray incessantly
for his fellow countrymen.
The prophet’s words still resonate today. God forbid that we should
sin against God in not carrying a burden for the lost. We can look
on the sinner and sadly shake our heads. ‘Oh, why are they so
foolish….’ We can continue our lives thanking God for saving us but
failing to carry a real burden for those around us that are in need
of a Savior.
It is contrary to the plan of God for those who know the Lord not to
pray continually for the lost. The overwhelming burden and desire of
Christ is for the sheep that have lost their way to be returned to
the fold. It is necessary that the saints of God carry a continual,
heavy burden for the unregenerate and backslidden.
People may say, ‘There is nothing I can do.’ Dear friend, there is
much that you can do for the lost around you. Pray and pray some
more. As we pray for the lost, the Holy Spirit hears these prayers.
In mercy and in honor to the prayers of His children, He visits the
lost with love and conviction once again.
Many a saint that has passed on has left the request to pray for
their children. Who will carry the burden now that these praying
parents and grandparents have gone on to be with the Lord? The
responsibility is ours. There are many around us that need the Lord.
Let us not fail them. Rather, let us be faithful to bring their
names continually to the throne of God.
-Bro.
Michael Smith |
