Since the close of WWII, Japanese volunteers have been searching the island of Saipan for the bodies of soldiers killed there. Of the 40,000-50,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians believed to have died there 68 years ago, only about half have been found.

The church, too, is looking for the dead — for those who are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Physically alive in pleasure, but spiritually dead (cp. 1 Timothy 5:6).

Yes, the church must enthusiastically seek them out (Luke 19:10), proclaim life to them in the name of Christ (John 6:68), and when they respond in faith and obedience (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 6:17), like the bones of Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 37:1-14), these dead shall live. Are you up to the challenge?

Kyle Campbell