Five years ago, the whole world was ‘trapped’ in the story of 33 miners trapped 2,300 feet underground in Chile. On October 13, 2010, after 69 days and $20 million dollar, all 33 were set free.
In the aftermath of the rescue, those involved recounted seemingly inexplicable miracles during their time underground and credited God with protecting them. God, many of them said, was the 34th miner. It was an amazing story.
Nobody made those men go into the mines. They went of their own free will and chose to work underground. They knew the risks and were willing to jeopardize their health to earn a living. Just the same people are involved in a sinful condition of their own free will. People choose to live apart from God. The difference is many do not realize the trap they are in.
Many people were affected emotionally by their situation, but few acted. I’ll be honest, I heard the stories but I didn’t go to Chile nor did I give any money to finance their rescue. Comparatively few did. It is the same with evangelism. I don’t know a Christian that isn’t aware of the predicament of people without Christ. They are trapped and have but a short time before death and eternity. But while many know, few do anything about it.
There was only one way to safety for those men. They traveled in a very small capsule that fit just one man. This is good…. there is only one way to freedom from sin… Jesus. And you don’t go as a family or as a couple. You trust Jesus Christ one person at a time. He is the only way to freedom.
One by one as those men came to the surface, there was rejoicing. Many family members, friends, and even strangers greeted them and hugged them. It is the same with a soul coming to Christ. Not only do we Christians rejoice, but there is rejoicing in heaven when even one soul repents.
It took more than good wishes to get those men out of their trap. It took time, hard work, thinking and money. People will not turn to Christ just by hoping they will. Jesus has given us the command to ‘Go and Tell.’ We are to use our time, strength, mind and money to find the best means to reach as many as possible in the best way possible.
I hope you will find those in your life (friends, family, neighbors, etc) who are trapped in sin and begin now to work and pray for their freedom.
You can also read my other articles about evangelism: Walk vs. Talk, 3 Things I Learned About Evangelism From a Sales Pitch, Don’t Walk Away From Jesus.
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