The famous hymn “Amazing Grace” contains this line: “I once was lost, but now I am found.” As many know, this hymn was written by slave trader-turned pastor John Newton. What some may not know is that he was a sea captain. In his day, the prospect of being lost at sea was indeed very real.
The ability to determine latitude (how far north or south one is in relation to the equator) was relatively easy, but to determine longitude (how far east or west one is in relation to his point of departure) was rather difficult and fraught with the potential for error. One had to rely on many techniques and procedures, all of which required accurate time-keeping at sea, something very difficult to do reliably during Newton’s time.
One technique was to follow a particular line of latitude when crossing the oceans and continue on this line as long as the currents and winds allowed. This technique presented its own set of challenges. For example, one could find themselves in the doldrums, an area with no wind, and therefore no forward progress. Or one could become the victim of piracy, as pirates were adept at waiting at particularly well-traveled lines of latitude, looking for targets of opportunity.
And so was our life before faith in Yeshua! It was fraught with “dangers, toils and snares.” Do you remember when you were lost? Do you remember the thoughts that occupied your mind? The cares that you took to navigate this world? Take a moment to think back—not with fondness or regret—but think! And as you remember the past and leave it behind, I ask you to look to the present and see how far the Lord has brought you. Now, I know that at times we like dogs return to our “vomit” (Proverbs 26:11); perhaps you still struggle with sins that in your mind should have long departed. Don’t be discouraged, be encouraged! After all, you do not need to navigate this world alone, and when an “error” in navigation occurs, and you find yourself in the doldrums and at the mercy of pirates, going nowhere and under attack, remember that the Spirit of God is like a wind that propels you forward no matter where you are. So, confess and be forgiven (1 Jn. 1:9) and allow the Wind of God, the Ruach HaKodesh, to propel you forward and back on course—not from where you started, but right from where you left off. We who have tasted and seen that the Lord is indeed good (Ps. 34:8) always have opportunities to share His goodness with others.
In light of where we have been, is it not logical and sensible that we should be gentle and respectful (1 Pet. 3:15)? Indeed, it is, and in fact we must be! When dealing with the lost in this world, take a moment to remember that you too were once lost. Take a moment to pray and ask God to give you His love for the lost, the same love He has for you; and when the lost speak of their life, listen. But remember that they are likely very adept at “navigation,” as they think themselves the captain of their own souls. They may know all the techniques and procedures that they think are required to navigate this life. In fact, some may even seem to be such good sailors as to have arrived at the “perfect” life. But remember that they, unlike you, are lost. They have no real point of reference and no accurate way to gauge time. Their compass does not point north, and their maps are tools of the devil. Whether they realize it or not, they are at the mercy of pirates and their final destination is a terrifying land filled with the unspeakable reality of eternal separation from God.
I think it is easy to become discouraged when we testify of the goodness of God to our Jewish friends and family and receive little to no interest or response. I have many Jewish friends that seem to have it all together. They are successful in business and happy in life. Some are so wise, and many are such beautiful, thoughtful, and kind people, that sometimes I forget that they are lost. During these times, I remember to turn and watch the testimonies found at www.imetmessiah.com. There, among the many faces of Jews who have been transformed by the grace of Yeshua, I am reminded of where my friends are, and I am filled with hope for where they can be. I strongly encourage you to check these videos out for yourself.
Isn’t it amazing that this is where God has put you and me, in a world full of lost captains? As a captain myself (albeit in the air, not the sea), it is hard sometimes to admit to mistakes and failures, but it is essential if I am to be the best and most effective captain I can be, a captain who is open to constructive input and who truly knows how to lead the lost safely to the right destination.
So as the Lord equips you with knowledge from the tools and resources available through Ariel Ministries (The Spiritual Life Series of Messianic Bible Studies, perhaps), don't forget the greatest tool of all, the tool that brings everything into balance: love that comes from the Father’s heart. And always be ready to make a defense (ἀπολογία = apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience (1 Pet. 3:15). This hope is embodied in the gracious Person of our God-Man Yeshua: Share Him!
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