Dr. Andrew Foster
Twelve Scriptural Reasons Why You Should Be Concerned About The Lost Deaf
by Dr. Andrew Foster (MA, LHD)
Deafness is a tremendous handicap. It bars countless people from hearing about God’s way of salvation. Every Christian should be concerned about their plight. Here are twelve reasons based upon the Word of God.
Because God made the deaf. “…Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or 1 the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11)
Because God Himself is concerned about the deaf – and other physically handicapped people. “Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind.” (Leviticus 19:14)
Because like all mankind, the deaf are lost apart from Christ Jesus. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
Because the deaf (and the non-deaf) must be saved only through Jesus Christ. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36; 14:6; Acts 4:12)
Because God “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9) He “will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:4)
Because the deaf, who are cut off from normal communications, cannot come unto the knowledge of this truth unaided, “How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Romans 10:13-15a)
Because Jesus’ earthly ministry embraced the deaf – as well as others often neglected. “…the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the Gospel is preached.” (Luke 7: 22)
Because the deaf, as creatures too, are included in Jesus’ command to “go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16: 15-16)
Because God plainly expects some deaf souls among the Great Harvest, “And in that day shall the deaf hear the Words of the Book…” (Isaiah 29:18) “.. and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” (Isaiah 35:5)
Because every Christian should show gratitude for his physical and spiritual senses. “But blessed are your I 0 eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.” (Matthew 13:16)
Because aiding the needed deaf is consistent with Christian love. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17)
Because sharing the Gospel with the needy deaf is a source of God’s rich blessings. “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:17) “. . he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30b) “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3).
Showing your concern
The Bible also clearly reveals God’s threefold method for reaching the lost deaf (and hearing):
- Christians must PRAY for the deaf. (James 5:17-18)
- Christians must GO to the deaf with God’s Word. (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Christians must GIVE to sound Biblical witnesses to the deaf. (Luke 6:38)
So, why not become concerned today?
