21 Days of Prayer for the Lost: Day 18

As I sit outside in my back yard, I am overwhelmed with the beauty of creation. The fall flowers are in bloom. The sun shines pleasantly warm. The birds sing. The sky is blue, with wisps of white clouds painted across it. Greenery is all round. It is almost like heaven! My wife is in the house. We will connect with some of our grandkids the next couple of days. Colors are bright, and so are our hearts.

But we know it will not last. Seasons change. But we wish it could last. So does all mankind. The good news is that with God it will last! We are promised new heavens and a new earth. God will live with us all as a happy family. None of it will go away. All our sorrows and tears will be wiped away. No more crying or pain or mourning.

None of it will go away because death will be no more! God has declared, “Behold, I am making all things new!” (Rev 21:5). He declares His words trustworthy and true. The former things have passed away. We will drink forever from the spring of the water of life, with our eternal Savior in eternal bliss.

This is what we have to offer to the lost! This is the promise of salvation in Christ! There is no hope for such permanent tranquility here, no hope for living on without end at all. Death reigns now, with the dark world exerting its influence. But all that will come to an end. Perhaps soon.

If our neighbors and friends, relatives and workmates hope for this future, someone will have to lead them to Christ, and to the salvation offered in Him. Without Him there is no hope. Nor is there a neutral place between heaven and hell. No annihilation will take place.

We have the keys and the hope. Let’s pray, and be led by the Spirit. Let’s testify to the great things God has done in our lives, and of the glorious future which is already guaranteed to us in Jesus. May it soon be guaranteed to them, too!

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation” (Isa 52:7).

Things to pray for today:

• For the Spirit’s inspiration and boldness in us!
• For God’s preparation of the hearts we will testify to!
• For the Lord to create heavenly intersections with the lost we love.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.