We have often read accounts of men lost in the woods, and a typical one would relate how a man wanders aimlessly in the dark hoping to find his way out. And then, to his joy, he sees a light approaching, hears men’s voices and the barking of dogs. In earnest, he rushes toward the light and is happily greeted by a search party who ushers him home to his loved ones.
In contrast to such a typical story, consider another man who is also lost in the woods at night, wandering aimlessly. After some time, he, too, sees a light approaching, hears men’s voices and the barking of dogs. He is in real earnest — but not to go to the light! Instead, he quickly runs away from the search party as fast as he can go. He would much rather continue to be lost in the woods than to be found. Why? What is wrong with such a man? The simple answer is, He is a wanted criminal. Typically he would much prefer to wander hungry and thirsty, for he obviously values freedom more than the common necessities of life. This second man who is lost reminds us of what we read in the Word of God, “This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-2019And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (John 3:19‑20)). Yes, this criminal chooses to avoid the light, knowing he would lose his freedom. Sin in our lives has very real consequences. God tells us that “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:1212So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)). We may hide from men, but we cannot hide from God.
How few of us realize that the very God we have sinned against is the One who has not only created us, but has loved us and proved His love by sending the Lord Jesus Christ to become a man and die. Christ paid the ultimate price in laying down His life as a sacrifice for sin, and now He offers you the forgiveness of sins as a free gift.
You may ask, “How can God offer me such a wonderful gift?” The good news is, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)). Such love should cause each of us to repent (have a great change of mind) about our sinful condition before a holy God. Along with this goes faith, which is a simple trust that Christ Jesus bore the judgment you deserved for your sins. God has your best interest in view and has provided the way of salvation whereby Christ can set you free. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:3636If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)). How much better it is for you to “seek ... the Lord while He may be found, call ... upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:66Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6)) rather than hide from God and go on in darkness toward a lost eternity. Don’t be like the man who preferred to hide in the woods with his guilty conscience. Come to the light while the offer of mercy is free and find the Lord Jesus to be a wonderful Saviour and friend.