God’s clear plan for His family, the church, is for members to look out for each other. So clear is God’s directive on our care for each other that the Holy Spirit guided the pen of Paul to write, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). On another occasion, the half brother of Jesus penned, “Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). When fellow-Christians actively seek those who have gone astray, God will bless that effort with increase (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6, 9), as He sees fit. When God gives increase and a sinner returns home, several wonderful things take place.
Firstly, when a sinner returns home God runs! Almost beyond our comprehension is the fact that the God of heaven would run to meet a penitent sinner. The narrative of the Prodigal Son shows this fact clearly. “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). God is waiting, watching and willing that every erring child comes back to where he or she belongs (cf. 2 Peter 3:9)! If you are away from God, He is looking for you. When you make the first step back, God will run to meet you!
Secondly, when a sinner returns home angels rejoice. It thrills my soul to know that the heavenly host is interested in each and every penitent sinner. Sometimes when a Christian leaves God, he often thinks that no one even cares that he is away, but not so. Angels are waiting and preparing a heavenly celebration for those who come back to Christ. Jesus affirmed “…that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents…” (Luke 15:7). A few verses later the Lord related, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:10). If you are away from the fellowship of God, come home today; the angels are waiting to celebrate your return.
Thirdly, when a sinner returns home, the family is reinforced. God’s family, the church, is made weaker each time someone walks away from the faith. Conversely, the family of God is made stronger when a penitent sinner returns home. When a sinner returns home, another soldier is back in the fight (Ephesians 6:10ff), another runner is back in the race (Hebrews 12:1-3), another prayer is sent above (James 5:16) and another arm, hand or foot is restored to the body (1 Corinthians 12:12ff)! God’s church needs every available person for the fight in which we find ourselves! There is never a time in this war, especially now, when we can afford to suffer any casualties! If you are away from the family of God, we need you and God needs you. Please come back home!
Someone recently told this author that if we restored every erring member, our buildings could not hold them all. While that situation is quite heartbreaking, it also should encourage us of the potential that lies ahead. How many are erring in the congregation where you worship? With how many have you pleaded to return? “Time is now passing, the moments are fleeting… come home, come home, ye who are weary come home!”
