If it wasn't for Jesus.

Samuel Chadwick, powerful preacher of generations past, was known as the “Preacher of Passion”. This was due to the fact that at some point in every sermon, tears would fill his eyes. His writing reveal the reason why week, after week, year, after year he felt such compassion for people.

He recounts how ever Saturday night, after his sermon was prepared, he would go into his study, close the door behind him, and reflect on what a sinner he had been before he met Christ and how good God was to save him.

Remembering the pit from which he had been rescued caused him to break down in gratitude. Then, looking at his congregation the next morning, realizing many of them were in the same place he had been, he wept for them.

For we who have been saved for some time, the danger lies in forgetting the emptiness, the shattered relationships, the broken promises, the valleys that defined our days before the Lord saved us. What was good for Samuel Chadwick is good for you and me as well – as we reflect on who and where we would be if it wasn’t for Jesus in our lives.

May the Lord help us see the lost as He sees them - sheep with the shepherd. May He continue to fan our passion for the lost. By His grace and power, let us be committed to His cause in reaching the lost and let us find ourselves at the foot of His Cross daily.

-malt