RESCUE THE PERISHING by Fanny J. Crosby

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying; Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave

Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen; Tell them of Jesus, the Mighty to save

Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting; Waiting the penitent child to receive

Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently; He will forgive if they only believe

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter; Feelings lie buried that grace can restore

Touched by a loving heart, weakened by kindness; Chords that are broken will vibrate once more

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it; Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide

Back to the narrow way, patiently win them; Tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died

REFRAIN

Rescue the perishing; Care for the dying Jesus is merciful; Jesus will save

This hymn shows me what attitude I need to have toward those who do not yet know Jesus. They are spiritually dead as well as physically dying, headed toward a Christ-less eternity. My heart should break for them and my recognition of their state should spur me to action.

               I must tell them of a Savior. I must introduce them to my Lord. It is my duty. I am to see the world through Jesus’ eyes and do the work He commissioned me to do.

               It is amazing to me that many times, those who seem the furthest away from God are the ones who accept His offer of salvation the quickest. Even though they are insulting Him, denying Him, His Spirit continues to work on their heart, melting their stone cold indifference.

               His grace penetrates, quickens, brings about a restoration of life to a dead soul. How beautiful it is remade, reborn.  What a wonderful privilege we have, to be part of His divine plan to bring a lost one into the fold of salvation. Our job is to sow the seed of the Word. The Spirit implants it and causes it to grow, eventually bringing about new life.

               Go, cast your seed where the Spirit directs, and who knows, the soul you help rescue may be the one that is dearest to you.

Lord, help move us to understand the urgency of sharing Your gospel. Help us to understand the priority of throwing a lifeline, Your Word, to those who are drowning in sin. Help me to be moved with pity and compassion, so that I take my part in Your grand plan of redeeming souls to Yourself.