Proverbs 24.11
“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.”
This proverb admonishes us to do our duty to protect the helpless who are being unfairly treated. We are our neighbor’s keeper. God expects us to help and protect those who are in danger unjustly, if we have the power to deliver them.
To appreciate the warning, the proverb continues, “If you say, “‘Behold, we did not know this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?” (Proverbs 24:12)
Those needing help are described as “taken away to death” and “stumbling to the slaughter.” The issue at stake is death. Solomon clearly indicates mortal danger. We are not obligated to get involved in every controversy or need, but when someone is at risk of death, it demands our involvement.
I believe this verse ultimately speaks to our responsibility to help people who face spiritual death. People without Christ are in danger of “being taken away to death.” It is our responsibility to share the gospel with them in the hope they would be saved from that fate.
The Lord uses his people to communicate the message of the gospel to the world.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5.20)
Paul is not writing this message to pastors in seminary who are being trained for professional ministry. This message is addressed to all Christians, no matter their occupation. Everyone. Everywhere. All the time.
An ambassador is an official envoy who represents a foreign sovereign, providing a link between his host country and the country he represents. Ambassadors work to build relations and develop policies that favor both the host nation and the nation of the ambassador. An ambassador is appointed by the leadership of those he represents and is given authority to speak on their behalf.
An ambassador must be wise in his approach. He lives in one country, but is responsible to another. He must represent the message of a leader who is not directly present. He must also embody the character of his home country, while living in the midst of the culture and customs of the host nation.
The Lord calls to himself, saves us through Christ, and then sends us into the world to proclaim the good news of new life in Christ. First the call, then the commission.
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Matthew 16.15)
