Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Acts 16:31-32

The other day I had the opportunity to speak to a man who had, as a young boy, contracted polio.

He shared with me how he had been an active child, but one day woke up and couldn't get out of bed. Let me repeat that again: He woke up and couldn't get out of bed. Literally.

He shared the problems and pains he had suffered trying to reclaim his life. His story was a magnificent narrative of the power of God, the workings of a loving family and a powerful, positive spirit.

As I heard that story, I said a silent prayer giving thanks that polio had been almost eradicated.

Almost.

A week or so ago the World Health Organization reported that polio has been found in China for the first time since 1999. Even more, they believe there is a high risk of the debilitating virus spreading because of the yearly Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage which will take place in early November.

When I heard that news I thought why should there be polio when there is such an easy and obvious preventative? The World Health Organization answered that question. It said polio was showing up in remote locations where financial cutbacks had reduced the administration of the vaccine.

Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised. For almost 2,000 years there has been, in the precious blood of the Savior, a cure for the always-fatal consequences of unforgiven sin. And even though faith in the Christ has always guaranteed eternal life, there are many who remain doomed.

You know, it's a tragic thing when physical and spiritual cures aren't delivered because there isn't enough money. It's a terrible thing to know that someone will die physically or spiritually because those with the remedy didn't get it to the people who needed it the most.

Yes, it's a sad thing, and it's a preventable thing.

This takes us to the twofold purpose of this devotion. Parents, please check to see if your child's polio shots are up to date. And fellow Christians, do all you can to support missions that share the Savior's story of salvation with lost sinners.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in our prayer we paraphrase the hymn writer who said, "Let none hear us idly saying, 'There is nothing we can do,' while the souls of men are dying and the Master calls for you. Let us take the task He gives us gladly, let His work our pleasure be, let us answer quickly when He calls out, 'Here am I. Send me, send me!'" In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 65-66    Romans 13

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