Daily Devotions
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12
Almost 40 years in the ministry has allowed me to see many wonderful changes.
High on that list are the advancements which have been made in the areas of human help and healing. I can remember when cataract surgery demanded a person remain in bed and unmoving for almost a week. Today that surgery is done under local anesthetic and the patient usually goes home the same day. Similarly, some once-fatal cancers now have a high-survivability rate.
Yes, the Lord has blessed physicians, surgeons and medicines, so they can sometimes do wonderful things, seemingly “miraculous things,” that is, if they get the chance.
But what happens when situation and circumstance keep those who need help away from those who can offer that help? Well, I can tell you what happens: nothing good. That’s what happens.
This is why some people really need Richard Nares.
Since you probably don’t know much about Nares, allow me to share. In the year 2000, after a long battle, Nares lost his son, Emilio, to cancer. Because of a grand support network and an understanding employer, Nares had no problem getting his son to the hospital for his many treatments, tests and injections.
His hours on the cancer floor soon had Nares noting many other families found it incredibly difficult — and even impossible — to make the appointments for their children.
Sympathizing with those families, Nares thought no child should miss a cancer appointment due to lack of transportation. To his credit he didn’t just think those words he did something to make sure cancer-afflicted children got their necessary transportation.
Nares began his volunteer chauffeuring with a one-year-old boy who had a brain tumor. His offer of a ride saved that family a four-hour bus trip — each way. Now, Nares has an organization that annually drives 70,000 miles, as they offer 2,500 rides. Nares says it saves children’s lives and keeps Emilio’s memory alive, as well.
Christians might do well to follow Nares’ example. Like him, we also have Someone we love who has died. True, it was a cross and not cancer that took Jesus, but He did die loving us.
And now the risen Lord Jesus asks His followers to help keep others alive by keeping His memory alive. Indeed, every soul which is brought to faith in the Christ is given forgiveness, hope, joy, peace and an eternity in heaven.
To help them onto this road ought to be for us both a joy and privilege.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, use us to reach out to those who do not know or believe in the Christ. Use our example of love to point them to their Savior’s path. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.