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Lord – he can always be restored!
Worthy
Ministries
“Brethren, if a man
is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a
spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” - Galatians 6:1
The account goes that the elderly John took
an affection and interest in a young man from Ephesus and subsequently
entrusted him to the care of a bishop in the vicinity, and that, after a
season, this young man became entangled with a band of criminals, and was
corrupted by them, finally becoming their leader.
When John returned after some time to search
for the young man, expecting to find him spiritually well and maturing, the
bishop despondently informed John of his fate.
Eusebius wrote, "The
apostle tore his clothing, beat his head, and groaned, 'A fine guardian I left
for our brother's soul! But get me a horse and someone show me the way.' He
rode off from the church, just as he was. When he arrived at the hideout and
was seized by the outlaws' sentries, he shouted, 'This is what I have come for,
take me to your leader!'"
"When John
approached and the young leader recognized him, he turned and fled in shame.
But John ran after him as hard as he could, forgetting his age, and calling
out, 'Why are you running away from me, child – from your own father, unarmed
and old? Pity me, child, don't fear me! I will give account to Christ for you,
and if necessary, gladly suffer death and give my life for yours as the Lord
suffered death for us. Stop! Believe! Christ sent me.'"
"The young man
stopped, stared at the ground, threw down his weapons and wept bitterly.
Flinging his arms around the old man, he begged forgiveness, baptized a second
time with his own tears…[John] led him back and did not leave him until –
through prayer, fasting, and instruction – he restored him to the church."
What an awesome story! I've used this story
many times when talking to the despondent backslider who believes he can no
longer be forgiven.
Be an example of His love! No matter how far
someone believes he has strayed from or even deserted the Lord – he can always
be restored!
Just possibly, you are the one that God wants
to use to bring about his/her restoration.
If so, I trust that reading of the Apostle
John's loving example, you've been inspired by the compassion and grace the
Lord Himself feels toward His "prodigals" and moved by His Spirit to
go out in faith... and rescue the lost sheep!
Worthy
Ministries
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https://www.worthydevotions.com/christian-devotional/anyone-can-be-restored-2
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