The inconsolable darkness of the lost

By Elizabeth Prata

Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:12)

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 1:13)

Mankind who is without Jesus, grieves. They don’t know why, but they mourn and grieve and have an internal black hole in their heart.

the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)

We see how the world acts and we are troubled by it and we mourn too, but at least we know why it is the way it is. We know why brother is against brother and the love has gone cold. We know that it will end. The lost do not know this, and they cry out in their inconsolable darkness.

Jesus is the solution for every single problem in the universe. He came-

-“to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79)

Peace from this desolate distress the lost feel and must endure. Peace from this endless seeking and stumbling in the dark.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).

What a joy to share the Gospel, to see the light come on in eyes and hearts of stone turn to flesh. We have hope. The lost do not. For that reason alone, never mind their eternal destiny if they remain lost until death, we should have compassion and patience with them. They know not what they do. They know not who Jesus is.