For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:17

In Buffalo, New York, there is a bus driver named Richard Lucas.

Not so long ago, around 6:30 a.m. on a Monday morning, Lucas was driving his route. That was when he noticed smoke coming from the back of a two-family home.

Lucas stopped his bus, left the passengers, ran to the house, banged on the door, and awakened the folks who were inside sleeping.

Ten people were saved.

Then, after everyone was safe and sound, Lucas went back to his bus and drove his route.

The blaze caused about $80,000 in damage to the home and is still under investigation, Interim Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. said some people had called 911 to report the fire, but it was Lucas who actually did something.

You might almost say Lucas was a hero -- or -- a savior.

Of course, there are some differences between Richard Lucas and Jesus Christ.

Mr. Lucas did a noble thing, but it didn't cost him but a bit of his time. Jesus' sacrifice cost Him everything, including His life. Mr. Lucas saved ten people, Jesus has saved untold millions. When Richard Lucas was done, he was able to pick up his life again. When Jesus was finished with His work, His abused and lifeless body was laid in a borrowed tomb.

Yes, there are differences. The ten people whom Lucas saved will someday die, but anyone who is saved by Jesus will live forever.

Now I'm not trying to put down Richard Lucas or minimize the work of many other folks who have tried to do something right and noble.

No, I give thanks to them.

On the other hand, I am encouraging everyone to join me in thanking, praising, serving, and obeying the Savior who made the sacrifice which can save the world.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for the commitment of Richard Lucas and others who have gone out of their way to help others. Let them be a reminder of the distance Jesus went to save us from certain, eternal death. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 99-100,102    Acts 17:16-34

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