Tears for the Lost

I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Romans 9:2

“When was the last time you cried for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior?” 

This question was asked of me by a student during the first semester I taught at Indiana Wesleyan University.  I quickly replied, “I have been a pastor for four years. I then served as a missionary in Africa and Southeast Asia for around another 14 years…”

Before I could finish articulating a full answer the student interrupted me and stated, “That is not what I asked you. My question was, ‘When was the last time you cried for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior?’” 

Realizing I needed to be transparent, I replied, “Honestly, it has been ages.”

This student’s question and my feeble response caused me to spend time to reflect. When I first accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, I had a deep concern for those who did not have a relationship with Christ. There were nights I could not sleep, thinking about them. But, as I was reflecting, I realized that over time my passion to reach the “lost” had gotten cold. I had “lost heart,” and I had to ask God to forgive me for my lack of concern for those needing Christ.

Global missions was never meant to just be a program. Over the years I have seen church programs come and go. There was always great enthusiasm starting up new programs, but over time they became routine, losing focus as to why the church even started them. This led to them eventually ceasing to exist.  

Reaching the lost was never meant to just be a program. Programs have a way of coming and going. Reaching those without Jesus Christ must never be allowed to become just routine and passion-less. Instead, Christians need to have a deep concern for the lost, which may cause tears to flow, and be filled with the Holy Spirt to “go forth” to testify about God’s gift of salvation.

I’d like to present to you, for reflection, the question I was asked: When was the last time you cried for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior?