The Itch
John 1:9 That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Romans 1:18-19 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Ever had an itch in one place but couldn't scratch it? I haven't proved the value or correctness of it yet, but I heard say when you face such a condition you should scratch around the navel area and relief will come. The point here is that the relief can only be achieved by scratching on another place – where the itch is not felt.
Ever had an itch you couldn't reach – like on your back – and when you asked someone to scratch it for you they scratched everywhere but where it was itching?
This world and its population have a serious “itch” - and they haven't a clue how to find relief. They have “scratched” everywhere – and yet that “inner itch” continues. They have all the things the world and satan has to offer, and yet they remain unfulfilled and unsatisfied. Politics hasn't helped. Riches haven't helped. Fame hasn't helped. Indulging in all the carnal possibilities haven't helped. Religion hasn't helped. Philosophy hasn't helped. Study hasn't helped. Mankind has been groping in spiritual darkness trying to satisfy that “itch” - and has not yet found it. Scripture states: “ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth.”
Listen to the music the world has to offer – especially the lyrics – there is no hope, no joy, and no peace. It was as I listened to a song on the radio that I sensed the utter hopelessness expressed: darkness, despair – no hope – even in this life.
They've scratched and found no relief – but the “itch goes on”.
Some have come to the Church to seek relief. “Please scratch my back – I can't reach it!” they've said if not in word but in deed. What have we as a church by and large done? Have we “scratched all around the itch” and left the seekers frustrated and disillusioned? Have we offered “psychobabble” instead of the solutions offered by the Word of God? Have we offered “sound advice”? Have we encouraged them that “things will work out in the end”? Have we told them to draw on their inner strengths?
If this is the case, then we've skirted all around mankind's basic need – THEY NEED NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! They don't need advice or crutches! They need to hear the Gospel of God's salvation as it is in Christ – and in Christ alone. We've not zeroed in to the real “itch” and need.
Only Jesus can bring relief to that inner “itch” the lost have – and to think that we God's people have the solution but somehow are “keeping it to ourselves” - whatever the reason may be it is but a poor excuse.
Everyone of Adam's race have a measure of light – both internal and external. The “itch” is there in every person ever born and ever will be born! That light they have is what will judge them when the day comes; when all small and great will stand before the judgement seat of God. That day is not going to be a joyous day. It will be a sad day when the lost will hear the words that will send them to a lost eternity of eternal darkness and regrets.
Child of God – you can bring relief to those in spiritual darkness! You can “scratch that itch” and bring peace and joy to troubled hearts. You have the “words of eternal life”. You have the message of reconciliation. You can show those around you where to find relief. You can save them from the eternal darkness that awaits them outside of Christ.
Please ask the Lord what it is you can do to help relieve someone's “itch”. If we've lost our missionary vision and love for the lost we've lost our right to exist as a Church in this world. Man is lost – but he can be found.
Peter Crause
This is not copyrighted and may be freely used and distributed.
e-mail: crause.pd@shaw.ca
