James 5:19-20 “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converted the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
I remember well when Hurricane Katrina blew into New Orleans. All of the Southern states were affected. I was at my Moms in Alabama visiting when it hit. I remember going to bed and hearing the crashing of trees and the rain pounding on the roof. All I could think about was the terror those in Louisiana must be experiencing. For many days, even weeks in some areas, search and rescue efforts were going forth to save those who were trapped by the flood waters. The images of people sitting on their roofs waiting for help were haunting. I could not imagine being in their shoes, waiting patiently for help to arrive.
As a Christian, we are called to the same task as the rescue teams, except we are called to rescue those who are straying away from Christ or those who have never been saved. James is talking to Christians and in this passage, He is telling us to rescue their soul from death. If you are a Christian you are a member of God’s search and rescue team. This ministry is the responsibility of every Christian who is walking with the Lord. In Galatians 6:1, Paul speaks to Galatian Christians and challenges them to restore those who fall.
Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. “
We must search because most believers who fall into sin do not stay with the flock. As the shepherd looks for his sheep we must go after them. Rescue is necessary to guide them back, and assure them of God’s love and forgiveness. Some may be ashamed and need a loving friend to help them so they do not stray again. They need someone that knows God to teach them how to resist sin. The goal of search and rescue is to restore them back into the fold. They have strayed from the truth and need the truth taught to them.
In verse 20 the last phrase “hide a multitude of sins” James seems to be pointing in the direction of Psalm 32:1, “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” When a sinner turns to the Lord, He forgives all of his sins. If a professing believer persists in sin, he should not be assured that he is eternally secure. The Bible never gives that comfort to an unrepentant person. There are also warnings in Hebrews that teach a person can go far away from God and make shipwreck of their faith. It is our job to rescue before this happens.
Trying to help restore one is often a difficult task. It means you may have to confront someone and that alone is enough to make some shy away from obeying God. But, can you imagine being that person on the roof after Katrina hit? You wait and pray but no one comes. You don’t understand why no one cares enough to look for you. Day after day the water gets higher, and you get to a point of giving up and giving in to the certainty of death. Why, oh, why does no one hear the screams, the crying, and begging for help.
I do not want to stand before God one day knowing that someone was lost forever because I did not take the time and effort to rescue them. There are multitudes of reasons not to go. “I don’t have time my child has to be in bed by 8:00.” “I am tired, I will let someone else do it.” “It’s not my job.” “I have a ball game.” The list could go on, but should it? Why don’t we love God enough to reach out and find the lost sheep, the wayward soul, the one no one else cares about.
When a search is done and one is found there is great joy. Joy to the one found, great joy to the searcher, and joy in Heaven!
Please, Lord, don’t let me get too busy to do a search and rescue! Help me to stay focused on others, not my own comfort!
James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
