"Seeking The Lost"

by Micky Galloway

When I was growing up in Kentucky, I frequently attended Gospel Meetings. I especially appreciated the singing at Green’s Chapel, about seven miles from Horse Cave (between Bearwallow and Bunnell's Crossing) because the song leader, Jimmy Sturgeon, could get so much out of the audience by his song leading abilities. There I learned many songs such as “Seeking The Lost” by William A. Ogden (1841-1897). Ogden authored a number of songs we use today such as, “He Is Able To Deliver Thee,” “Jesus, The Loving Shepherd,” “Where He Leads, I’ll Follow” and others. As we sing such grand songs, we are to, teach and admonish one another (Col 3:16). What are we saying, brethren, as we sing this song? Let us look closely at the words of this song and consider.

“Seeking the lost, yes, kindly entreating Wanderers on the mountain astray; ‘Come unto Me,’ His message repeating, Words of the Master speaking today.” My beloved brethren, this song teaches that we live in a world that is lost, separated from God by sin (cf. Isaiah 59:1-2), and that they will be forever separated from God without the gospel. The whole point of Luke 15 is to emphasize the importance of finding that which is lost. Jesus expressed interest in the “publicans and sinners” because they were lost! As we consider the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, concern for the lost is emphasized and therefore is an occasion for great rejoicing when that which was lost is found. The elder brother represents the bitter, jealous attitudes of the Pharisees and scribes who criticized Jesus, saying, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (Luke 15:2). The loving father of the prodigal son, reminds his older son, “It was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:32). Peter pictured the lost as sheep going astray (I Peter 1:25). If we do not see this picture we will never kindly entreat those on the mountain astray! The words of the Master speak today, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). How can we be comfortable knowing the power of the saving gospel of Christ and not teach it to the lost?

“Seeking the lost, and pointing to Jesus, Souls that are weak, and hearts that are sore; Leading them forth in ways of salvation, Showing the path of life evermore.” Of all who walked the earth, Jesus is the one most acquainted with our griefs and our broken, disappointed hearts. “We have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). He is a merciful and compassionate high priest, “in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). We must point the lost to Jesus because he is the “author (captain mg) and perfecter” (Hebrews 12:2) of our faith. He has led the way. His are the ways of salvation. Let us show the lost to the path of life and “save a soul from death” (James 5:19-20).

“Thus I would go on missions of mercy, Following Christ from day unto day; Cheering the faint, and raising the fallen; Pointing the lost to Jesus the way.” Let us go on missions of mercy as the Savior did. “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient (even) unto death, yea, the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8). We must follow the example of Jesus every day. Peter said, “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps” (I Peter 2:21). The temptation to “faint” is very real! Our work for the Lord can become very tiring and discouraging. Paul urged the Galatians, “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). We must recognize our responsibilities to one another. Let us cheer those who are discouraged and raise the fallen. I Thessalonians 5:14 is a commandment! “And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.” “Brethren!” We cannot isolate ourselves from the lives of our fellow brethren and please the Lord! In cheering the faint, we point the lost to Jesus, “the way” unto life (cf. John 14:6).

The chorus of this grand old song emphasizes the magnitude of our work in “Seeking The Lost.” “Going afar, upon the mountain, Bringing the wanderer back again, Into the fold of my Redeemer, Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain.” There is so much work to do! Indeed, we live in a lost and dying world. Jesus told the disciples, “The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). Let us go afar, upon the mountain of sin and death, seeking the lost. Yet, there are those among our brethren who are lost. Paul commanded the Galatians, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). This is not just a responsibility of elders, Paul addresses “brethren.” Yes, Jesus is the Lamb of God for sinners slain (cf. John 1:29). Do we believe that He is our redeemer (cf. I Peter 1:18), and that He came “to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45)? Let us serve the Savior with all that we have and find opportunities in every relationship for “Seeking The Lost.”