Vanished!

When a magician causes an object to vanish into thin air, we are entertained. We may wonder where it went, but are generally not very concerned. We know it is a trick and though our curiosity is aroused, we do not fret over it. We may even anticipate that at some point the magician will make the object reappear somewhere else on the stage or maybe even among the audience.

It is an entirely different thing when people seem to have vanished. Family members and friends get deeply concerned. The police or FBI are called. Search and rescue teams are assembled. Pictures are posted. The media is contacted. Much time and energy begins to be expended in even searching the remotest areas because of the GREAT CONCERN. A precious life is at stake!

Consider the scene pictured by David where he wrote. . .
"(1) Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone; for THE FAITHFUL HAVE VANISHED from among the children of man. (2) Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak." ( Psalm 12:1-2 ESV)

What a sad commentary on the condition of humanity. It makes me think of the description during the days of Noah when the wickedness of mankind was noted as "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." ( Genesis 6:5 ESV) Even today we should recognize the patience of God when there is so much wickedness going on in the world. Lies are still being launched and people deceived. Flattery flourishes and people seek to butter others up only to get what they selfishly seek. Hearts are deceitful and the life of many is marked by great inconsistency of action and speech. But what about us? Have we allowed ourselves to become a part of this vanishing act? If so, it is not only of GREAT CONCERN to the world, but our own soul is in peril as well. May "Search & Rescue" find us and others before it is too late! Precious souls are at stake!

Praise God this was Jesus' mission.
"(10) FOR THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THE LOST." ( Luke 19:10 ESV)

God's desire remains for none to be lost, but for all to come to repentance. ( 2 Peter 3:9) Having been found by Christ, we are to share this desire and carry on our Lord's mission of seeking the lost. However, if we are living no different than the world, why should we expect our message to be accepted? We are not of the world, but in the world for a purpose.

David ended the psalm we noted above by stating. . .
"(7) You, O LORD, will keep them; YOU WILL GUARD US FROM THIS GENERATION FOREVER. (8) On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man." ( Psalm 12:7-8 ESV)

Though "vileness" may be "exalted among the children of man", may we remain in the protection of the guarding by God from being influenced by the corrupt generation in which we live. As we REMAIN FAITHFUL to God we will be empowered to be the example and light this world needs. May we REMAIN VISIBLE for the glory and usefulness of God! Precious souls remain at stake!

Have a great day A PART OF GOD'S SEARCH AND RESCUE!
Carl

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