Key scripture – “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19–20, ESV).

If you are a wanderer, come home. If you know and love someone who is wandering, go get the wanderer!

People everywhere have a tendency to wander, even in the church. That’s why the book of James addresses this problem in a practical letter to believers. The kind of discipleship he’s talking about is never solitary—it’s always life in the context with other Christ followers.

James’ tone is emphatic, as if he’s shouting, “My brothers and sisters, family of God! Go get the wanderer!” If we’re really brothers and sisters, if we’re a true family, we bear responsibility for our wandering siblings, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pastor James McDonald says that the portrait of a wanderer is painted with rebellion and danger. He roams around and never settles down. His relationships are momentary. He is lost, a prodigal, who is wondering if there’s something better, and he is caught up in the not-so-merry-go-round of wandering. Also, wanderers can be daughters as often as they are sons.

There is still hope for a wanderer, because no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. When James writes, “if anyone among you wanders,” please note that there are no excuses for us not pursuing them. We can’t say, “She’s too far gone,” “His life is too complicated,” or “It’s too messy” or “I just can’t get involved because my life has finally settled down.”

Has God’s Spirit brought a specific person to mind whom He wants you to approach who is a prodigal. Someone who is a fearful, doubtful, sensual willful wanderer. Perhaps it’s someone obvious—a child, a sibling, a close friend—to whom your heart immediately turns . . . Go bring that person back.

Don’t leave a religious tract in his mailbox. Don’t hope she will come to her senses on her own and come back to God. Rescue requires direct contact and a personal touch. The stakes couldn’t be higher. “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” This is not referring to physical death, but to the second death, an eternity separated from God in hell “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14–15 NIV).

Although God never gives up on any of His children who wander and neither should we. Going and finding a wanderer is messy business. Your heart will be heavy, your feelings may be hurt, and your toes could get stepped on. But are we selfless enough to risk our own comfort to rescue a wandering soul? God forgive us when we don’t allow our hearts to be moved for people at risk.

If you were once a wanderer and have come home, someone was used by God to bring you back. It’s time to reciprocate that priceless gift. Ask God to enable you to reach out . . . then go get the wanderer!

Who is the wanderer the Holy Spirit is prompting you to bring back? Ask Him to grow your compassion and urgency for this person.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, forgive me for focusing on myself. Fill my heart with compassion for wanderers. Bring to mind the person You would have me go get. Help me proclaim the good news boldly and without apology—that You love those who wander and already paid the price in full for them to come home. Soften and prepare their heart to receive Your Word. Remind me that the result is not my responsibility, The Holy Spirit will take care of that. I am merely the messenger. I want all that I do to be for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus, who performed the greatest rescue this world has ever known, I pray, Amen.