«Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins» (James 5:20).
EUSEBIUS OF CAESAREA, the renowned Christian historian, says we enjoy «hearing what is beautiful and profitable,» so the following story should be beneficial for us. After Emperor Domitian’s death, the apostle John left the island of Patmos and moved to the city of Ephesus. Although he was almost a hundred years old, John constantly visited churches in the area. Once he went to a nearby city and met a youth of «powerful physique, pleasing appearance, and ardent temperament.» Then he called the bishop and said, «This one I commit to you in all earnestness in the presence of the church and with Christ as witness.»
When the apostle returned to Ephesus, the bishop began working with the young man, providing him with lodging, instruction, care, and, finally baptizing him. Shortly thereafter, the young man took to bad company, became corrupted, and began to steal. «Leaving the right path, and taking the bit in his teeth like a hard mouthed and powerful horse, he rushed the more violently down into the depths,» writes Eusebius. After a while, John returned and told the bishop, «Restore us the deposit.»
What deposit? The young man! The bishop burst into tears and said, «He is dead to God. He is the head of a band of robbers.»
With tears in his eyes, John asked for a horse and headed where the band of robbers operated. Captured by the outlaws, he asked to be taken to their leader. Upon recognizing John, the young man fled in shame, while the apostle cried out, «Why, my son, do you flee from me, your own father, unarmed, aged? I will give account to Christ for you.» The story ends with a tearful embrace. The apostle John took the young man back to church and didn’t leave until he had established him in the faith.’
This promise was fulfilled in the apostle’s ministry: «He who turns a sinner [a youth] from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins» (James 5:20). John’s example should be a model for us to follow. Our work is not to attack, judge, or condemn sinners who have strayed from the path, but to save their souls from death.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate
