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 Some
tragedies surpass others. The death of an only son is a tragedy
of tragedies, yet it is not the greatest tragedy. I
remember sitting with parents whose son shipwrecked his faith
and became an atheist. In tears his mother said, “I could have
buried him easier.” I did not doubt it. I could have found
more words of comfort at a grave than in such circumstances.
Look
at the greater tragedy — the lost soul. There is
nothing “but a certain fearful looking for of judgement and
fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (Heb.
10:27) It means to be banished from God’s presence (2 Thes.
1:7) to a demon’s hell. Man’s most terrible experience
describes the anguish. Not one pleasant thing is found there —
not even a drop of water for a parched tongue. The degraded and
outcasts, the heartless and oppressors, the arrogant and
hypocrites are its inhabitants. And there is no escape — no
end — no relief. Such thoughts stagger the imagination, but a
lost man is NOT the greatest tragedy!
The
greatest tragedy is to be lost and content. A man who
knows he is lost and is disturbed over his prospects will not
stay lost. Jesus died for him. Teach him the truth and such a
man will obey. Angels and men will rejoice. It is far different
with the lost man who is satisfied.
“There
is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death.” (Prov.16:25)A man “feels” he is right
— is satisfied with his religion — as he contentedly walks
to his own destruction.
“For
they have healed the hurt of the
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daughter of my people slightly, saying,
Peace. peace: when there is no peace.” (Jer. 8:11) It is ”healing”
like giving a diseased man some tranquilizers and telling him he
is fine. He needs to know his condition so he can seek help.
Some
brethren can’t understand our concern for them, — after all,
they are not worried. “Come back” we cry. but he
echoes Judah’s words, “Wherein shall we return?” (Mal. 3:
7) ”Preacher, what are you talking about? Return? We haven’t
been anywhere.” He is perfectly satisfied to he half-hearted
though it nauseates the Lord. (Rev. 3:15—) View the greatest
tragedy — lost and content.
Others
know the truth, know their life is wicked, know the blessings of
faithfulness and the wages of sin. What can you say? He knows
your pleas before you say them; he has voiced them himself in
times past. He tasted the good things and deliberately embraces
the world. It is impossible to renew him to repentance (Heb.
6:l) — the greatest tragedy.
I
reason with my religious neighbors; they are insulted. “You
think I am lost.” No matter what I think, are you lost?
Religious folk can be lost and feel safe (Mt. 7:21—). You may
be an admirable person — even a zealous church worker, and yet
be lost. Such commendable traits make the tragedy of your being
lost the more lamentable. What a shame you should be content to
be less than a Christian — that is the greatest tragedy.
Joe
Fitch
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