It grieves God that myriads of people are lost. He paid the ultimate price for our sins, through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, so that all might be saved (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9; 2 Peter 3:9). What are some reasons, then, why multitudes remain in their sins and will be eternally lost (Mathew 7:13-14)? Some have allowed the devil to snatch the Word out of their hearts (Matthew 13:19; Luke 8:12). He cunningly deceives them with his “thou shall not’s” as he did with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:4-5). He is called “the great dragon,” “that old serpent” and “the Devil and Satan who deceives the whole world” for good reason (Revelation 12:9). Some, not loving truth, even to the point of despising it, have been deceived. Paul graphically described such a process along with its results (2 Thessalonians 2:3-15). They exchange the truth for the “pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12). Some simply love sin (John 3:19). Our current culture reflects the words of the Lord, for we surely live in a time wherein people are thrilled by the “darkness” of sin rather than the “light” of truth! A large segment of the populace revel in unrighteousness. Some diligently seek the praises of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43). Many crave the praise of their peers. It has long been and continues to be the goal of a large segment of humanity. Trading God’s approval for the praise of man is not a smart decision (2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 16:24-26).

In Mark 9:19, Jesus said to a father seeking help for a son tormented by an evil spirit, “Bring him to me.” The disciples had been approached first by the man, but they had been unable to cast out the “dumb spirit” (v. 17), which had tormented the boy from childhood (v. 21). Jesus healed the man’s son (v. 27), much to the dismay of His disciples (v. 28). The father, no doubt, rejoiced and was forever grateful, as surely also was the son. It is always a mark of wisdom to seek the help of the Lord. Bring your child to the Lord. “Lo, children are an heritage [inheritance] of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Fathers, “bring them [your children], up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Have them in “subjection” (1 Timothy 3:4, 12) so that they might be “faithful children” (Titus 1:6). Further, fathers, love your children’s mother, too (Ephesians 5:25)! Mothers, love your children and their father (Titus 2:4). Like Hannah, bring your child to Shiloh and present him or her to the Lord (1 Samuel 1), and that child will more likely bring you joy and not tears. Bring your cares to the Lord. Jesus warned, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life…” (Luke 21:34). If you have no “cares,” you are an exceptional exception! The Greek is merimna, meaning division or distraction. Be forewarned. The Word of Christ can be and often is choked out by such “cares” (Luke 8:14; Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). What can we do? What are we to do? “Therefore