"WHO CARES?"

Written and preached by David P. Nolte

1 JOHN 3:1-18

What a depressed and unhappy statement the Psalmist made saying, "Look to the right and see; For there is no one who regards me; There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul." Psalms 142:4. We live in the midst of a "me" generation. We are bombarded by the nonsense that self must be actualized, realized, satisfied, and gratified. Many care only for self and not for others. Many, like Cain, ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Some say, like one girl I knew, "As long as I'm saved, that's all that matters. If others go to hell, it's their own problem." We may not articulate it that clearly, but do we care? The question I ask is, "Who cares?" Who cares for the souls of people? The text gives us some answers. First, though, let me tell you about an old preacher who had only one son. It was the father's intention to bring him up in the fear and nurture of the Lord. The son fell into bad company. His companions cared nothing for his soul, or for his goodness, and led him astray. Soon he dishonored his father and the family name. He ran away to London to live free and unfettered. He had succumbed to the temptings of the evil one. He had fallen victim to one who did care about his soul, but in the wrong way. The text reveals that there are, indeed, those who care about souls. Who cares? One answer is:

The young man, not sober and vigilant, and under evil influence, left home and entered a life of sin. The old father had no address to find the boy, but after a year or so found out on which street the boy was living. He went to that street and determined that if it was the last thing he did, he'd find his son if he had to go door to door to every house on the long street. Here was a father who cared. How like our Heavenly Father. So we ask, Who cares? And the answer is:

The old father cared and his heart broke within him. It was a dauntless task. He could never finish his quest if he had to stop at each door and inquire after his beloved but alienated son. The old father discovered a street musician and asked him if he knew a certain old hymn, a favorite of the boy in his innocence. The musician did, and the father asked him if he would walk with him along the street as he played. The father's intent was to have the old familiar song call out in one last slender chance of finding the son who had no use for him. The minstrel represents all those the Heavenly Father enlists to help Him in His quest for the lost. So, who cares?

The old minister, the boy's father, cared and sought the son. Was that lost boy ever restored to his father? Were they ever reconciled? It depends upon you. If you don't know Jesus, you are the lost boy -- the story's ending depends upon what you do with the seeking Father. Will you hear His gracious invitation? Will you cast off your sins and turn to the Savior? If you are already a believer, will you go seeking the lost? Will you come when He calls and will you go when He sends? Will you be the street musician who comes alongside the seeking Father? Will you sing out the song of invitation, calling the lost child home? Well, who cares? Satan does, God does, the faithful church does. If someone should ask me, "Who cares?" may I give them your name? Do you care? Will you reach out and touch someone for Christ?

Story modified from unknown source.

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