WHAT child has not experienced that feeling of utter loneliness which takes possession of one on finding that friends or relatives, supposed to be somewhere within sight or hearing, are nowhere near; and the desolation and fear which fill the mind, when, on running hither and thither, no traces of them can be found, when hope is almost given up, and all sorts of evil seem to threaten?
Many have been lost in woods; others in the crowded thoroughfares of our great towns and cities; while others on the sea beach have wandered to and fro in a vain search for the well-known face and smile.
Then, when the heart is sick, and the limbs are weary, the fruitless wanderings abandoned, the tears trickle, the sobs burst forth, and strangers showing pity, undertake the charge of the lost little one, who forthwith is conveyed to some friendly house, to await the inquiries of anxious parents or guardians.
Have you found out your lost condition, dear reader? Has your deep need ever pressed itself upon your conscience, and forced you to cry, “What must I do?” All your efforts are without avail; all your endeavors are but fruitless. Give up, then, your useless labor; dead works can never please a living God. Let “Lost! Lost!” be your cry. That cry is ever heard, ever answered by the Saviour Himself. For such He cares, for such He came, suffered and died.
Your cry of “Lost!” will be answered by His cry of “Found!” as, rejoicing, He bears you home.
His work upon the cross meets the whole need of the sinner, for it has answered the whole claim of God. Believe on Him, and all the value of His atoning blood will he seen upon you, and you will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life, and to be here for His glory and praise, who was here for your salvation and peace.
May you be among the company of lost ones found again, and thus be one over whom there is joy in heaven.
ML 01/25/1925