Over the last few months, you and I have been carrying around a "neighbor card" in our Bibles. The names on that card may be near and dear to us, or they may be the names of folks who work with us, go to school with us, or live next to us. You and I have gone through a mental process of identifying people who are lost and outside of Christ. We want them to be saved from the wrath to come because we love them. These are the names of real people in each one of our lives who will stand before the Lord on the day of judgment.
For me, writing these names down and carrying them around in my Bible has been sobering. Things tend to get more serious when you put them in writing. Though some may wish to go back to the days of a handshake to seal a deal, written contracts are legally binding. One can look back at a document from time to time and be reminded of the oath that was made to keep a commitment. He can see his signature and the specific language that defines his obligations. When you write down a name on a card of someone in your life who is lost, the weight of that name becomes much heavier than what it was before.
How often do you look at your neighbor card and think about the souls that are listed? According to the design of this evangelistic system, we should be looking at them every day. But, I confess, it has been difficult to do this. Perhaps it is because it seems like the opportunity to share the gospel with these people may never come. Or, we may think that some will not even give us an opportunity and get angry at us for even broaching the subject. Or we may feel guilty because we have not yet sought an opportunity. Or maybe we just feel inadequate to the task. When such thoughts arise, may we remember the words of Jesus: "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27, NKJV).
In the context of this statement, we find a rich man who turned away from doing what Jesus had said because he wanted to hold on to his possessions. Thus, Jesus said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:23)! The disciples who heard it asked astonishingly, "Who then can be saved" (Mark 10:26)? That is when Jesus gave the above answer. Thus, the motives and ideas of men will not convince someone to change his life and turn to God, but the word of God can. Yes, some will reject it, like this rich, young ruler did. But it converted you, did it not? The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7). The power is in the word, not in us. David Lipscomb wrote, "God can school and train men to give up all for Christ" (Gospel Advocate Commentary on Mark, p. 240).
So, if you have not been looking at your neighbor card every day and praying for those souls on it, resolve to do that. Remember what the apostle said: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). With God, all things are possible.
Brotherly, Jamie
