Stranded Souls and Silent Saints

Souls Still Wait in the Dark, And The Call Is Still Worth the Cost

Answer the Call:

[Verse 1]
There’s a call going out
Across the land in every nation
A call to all who swear allegiance to the cross of Christ
A call to true humility, to live our lives responsibly
To deepen our devotion to the cross at any price

Let us then be sober, moving only in the Spirit
As aliens and strangers in a hostile foreign land
The message we’re proclaiming is repentance and forgiveness
The offer of salvation to the dying race of man

[Chorus]
To love the Lord our God
Is the heartbeat of our mission
The spring from which our service overflows
Across the street or around the world
The mission’s still the same
Proclaim and live the Truth in Jesus’ name Lyrics by Steve Green, “The Mission”

There is a call echoing through eternity. It began in Eden, was heard in Egypt, thundered on Calvary, and still today it resounds—quietly at times in the soul, and urgently in the cries of those stranded in the dark and in need of redemption.

God is calling.
He calls not only prophets and pastors, but mothers and mechanics, teenagers and teachers, farmers and physicians.
He calls you.
The call is simple: “Go. Love. Rescue.”

And yet, many do not answer.

Like the single woman in the attached video—lost, cold, and reaching out in desperation—there are people in our lives crying for help. Not always audibly, but in their loneliness, brokenness, addiction, depression, confusion. They are yearning to be drawn out of the dark and into the light of Christ. And yet… their calls are too often met with silence.

Why?

Because we are distracted. Because we are busy. Because… we have reasons.

“I have school.”
“My job is demanding.”
“I need time with my friends.”
“My boyfriend, or girlfriend, or family comes first.”
“I’m just not ready.”

These sound like practical priorities, and indeed, in their place, they are good. But when these become excuses to ignore the call of God, they become a tragedy. The banquet is set, the lights are on, the Savior waits—but the invited guests decline. Not for evil reasons. Just… busy ones.

“They all with one consent began to make excuse…” (Luke 14:18).

The woman in the video called her uncle, her brother, her niece, her best friend. Each had some capacity to help. Each had something more important to do than rescuing her. But what could be more important than saving a soul from death?

This is the question heaven asks of us.

Jesus described the call of God in terms of a feast—the wedding supper of the Lamb. When the honored guests refused the invitation, the command became urgent:

“Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city… compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” (Luke 14:21-23)

The Bible tells us:

“I will bless you… and you shall be a blessing. In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2–3)

We are not saved merely to sit, but to serve. We are not enlightened just to rejoice, but to reflect that light into the lives of others still groping in darkness. We are not recipients of divine love merely to be comforted, but to become channels of that same love.

“Christ’s method alone will give true success… He mingled with men as one who desired their good… Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143)

Jesus gave everything to save us. What, then, do we give up when we respond to His call?

“A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify… And yet men think it hard to give up all! I am ashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to write it.” (Steps to Christ, p. 46)

The purpose here is not stand in judgment of our busyness, but to reflect: What are we trading for the eternal joy of seeing souls saved? Christ endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” That joy was us. Now our joy must be them—those who still sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

“The joy set before Christ… was the joy of seeing sinners saved. This should be the joy of every follower of His.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 172)

Are you waiting for a more convenient time? A more open door? A better mood?

Meanwhile, souls are dying.

“For the sake of worldly advantage… men are willing to venture into pestilential regions and to endure hardship… Where are those who are willing to do as much for the sake of telling others of the Savior?” (PK 172)

Friends, we have been drawn out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) Someone answered the call to reach us. Now it is our turn. Your life may be the only Bible someone ever reads, the only sermon they will hear. Do not underestimate the power of one kind word, one act of service, one invitation to know Christ.

“Angels are waiting to see if we will bless others, that they in turn may bless us.” (Adventist Home, p. 447)

The world is a lazar house—sick, suffering, starving for hope. To hide our light now is to make a terrible mistake.

“The message to God’s people today is: ‘Arise, shine; for thy light is come.’” (Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 62)

So today, right now, I invite you to watch the attached video: “Answer the Call.”
Let the scene sink into your heart. Let it stir your conscience. Let it awaken the Spirit within you.

As the video fades to black, listen for the voice of God in your own soul.

Has God called you?

Then heed the command that comes like fire:

“ANSWER THE CALL!”

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