The "Soul Guard"

        I recall that in health class, we had instructions on swimming such as when you go swimming.  They didn't give you a lot of details, but reminded us that we should not go swimming immediately after eating, but that we should wait about two hours before entering the water to avoid unnecessary cramps.  Of course we were also to always obey the life guard.  Swimming was one recreational activity that sometimes had a "Lifeguard" present to save you should you get into trouble.  One of our grand daughters is now employed as a lifeguard at one of the local recreational facilities and has even had the opportunity to "save" several who were having trouble in the water even to the point of drowning if something wasn't done.  She saved them   Acts 26:19-20 says, " Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:  But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." 
         Our lives could end quickly if we don't observe the rules while swimming.  The Apostle Paul was also one who could be classed as a lifeguard in that his mission was to save souls from eternal separation from God.  While he was on the road to Damascus, he met the Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way  and found himself from being an antagonist in regard to Christianity to being a preacher himself.  His two first cities were Damascus and Jerusalem.  He was on the road anyway so just kept on going with the help of Ananias and to preach to the lost souls of Damascus.  He went from capturing souls for punishment, to rescuing souls for the sake of the Gospel.  God chose to spread His message of salvation through the voice of His believers.  That means that you and me are part of this group of souls that need to go about the business of sharing the Gospel message.  A lifeguard at a pool or seaside would respond immediately to the cry for help of someone floundering in the water.  There are countless millions floundering in the sea of life with their cries remaining unheard by the "soul guards" who are sitting under the umbrellas of the church enjoying a potluck dinner or singing to themselves  songs of heaven and peace.  There seem to be so few "soul guards" who are looking to be like Paul who spoke to the small and the great.  He was ready to preach the gospel wherever he went and to whomever came across his path.  Are you ready also?  Praise God for the message of salvation.  May we share it with the lost around us.