Once a buddy of mine and I were deer hunting in South Georgia. He was a novice, while I had been a hunter for decades and was very seasoned. We were slogging through a huge swamp and were scouting out some new hunting areas. Everything looks the same in a swamp and there are no high vantage points or other distinguishing features, and after walking for several hours I knew that we had become very lost. It was getting close to dark and I knew that we needed to find our way out soon, or we were going to spend the night in a very uncomfortable place.
When I broke the news to my novice buddy he got as afraid as anyone I have ever seen. I tried to calm him down but he became totally irrational and panicky. In fact at one point, I had to hold him at gunpoint. He wanted to go one way, and I wanted to go another. I told him to go ahead and strike out on his own, but I was going the direction that I thought was right. He raised his gun and told me that I was going with him. I raised my gun and said, no I’m not. He yielded and I made him unload his gun and took his ammo from him before continuing. (Must have been that look in my eyes).
I did not like the thought of spending the night in a swamp full of mosquitoes and Water Moccasins, but I knew that we would eventually find our way out. He on the other hand was convinced that we were going to die in that swamp if we didn’t get out before dark.
To make a long story short, we found our way out just before dark. My friend was so happy when we stepped out onto the road that he literally sat down and cried. The funny thing about this guy was that he was not the least bit afraid as we walked through the swamp right up until the point I told him that we were lost. Upon hearing that, he was immediately panic stricken, became wild eyed and started running through the palmetto, first one way and then another.
Hmmm . . . I wonder how many people who do not know Jesus as their Savior realize that they are lost and headed for an ETERNITY of separation from God. Upon realization that one is lost it should evoke a reaction similar of that of my friend only worse. The lost of this world should be shaking like a leaf, panic-stricken, and running as fast as they can to Jesus.
Alas, sadly most just keep walking along through life conducting business as usual, as if the darkness will never come. The Bible predicts that this behavior will be prevalent throughout the world right up until the day that Jesus comes back. Where will you be at the last day when the light is removed from your life?
I can’t think of a better time to come to Jesus than right now as we approach the birth of our Savior. He loves you and wants you to reign with Him forever. Just put your trust in the One who can lead you through the wilderness.
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John 6:40
“And this is the will of Him who
sent Me, that everyone who sees the
Son and believes in Him may have
everlasting life; and I will raise him
up at the last day.”
December 23, 2015 – Click here to listen