Just One More

There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

— Luke 15:7

The 2016 movie Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss, who refused to carry firearms during WWII because of his religious convictions. Assigned to be a medic, Doss was ostracized by fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance. But at the Battle of Okinawa, he saved 75 of those very same men—without ever firing a gun. All through the night, this unarmed believer belly-crawled past mortar fire and enemy soldiers and dragged wounded men to safety. Hour after horrible hour he prayed, “Lord, help me save just one more.”

In the book of Joshua there’s a strange story of a pagan prostitute named Rahab, who hid two Israelite spies. The men were rescued, and Rahab is named in the lineage of Christ. Often this story is recounted as a reminder to do what is right. But it is also a reminder of the lengths to which God will go to save just one more lost soul.

When Jesus told the story of the lost sheep in Luke 15, perhaps he thought about the day God sent two willing men into hostile territory to claim the Promised Land. Those two desert wanderers were ill-equipped spies and unlikely to survive the dangerous assignment. Yet they went. Private Doss was also ill-equipped to face enemy soldiers intent on killing him. But he followed the call on his life.

We may not feel ready to cross into enemy territory, but we’re still called to share our faith and be a witness to what Jesus has done in our lives. We don’t have to lead massive crusades like Billy Graham or become missionaries in foreign countries. We’re simply called to venture out of our comfort zones and tell the hurting and lost about a God who comforts and saves.

When we do that for just one more, there’s a celebration in heaven.

Today’s One Thing

Know someone entrenched behind enemy lines? Ask the Lord to give you the courage to show them the way to safety.

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