Pastor

THE GREAT DECISION

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV

MIKE’S MEDS: I read a story that took place in the 20th Century told by a medical doctor of a 12 year old boy who was told that he could help save his sister’s life by giving her some blood.  His 6 year old sister was in serious condition, a victim of a disease that her older brother had survived a few years earlier. A blood transfusion was needed from someone who had successfully overcome the same disease and of the same blood type. Her brother was the ideal donor.

When asked to give blood, the boy at first hesitated. He demonstrated some fear at the thought of giving his blood, and a tear even came to his eye. Eventually he smiled, and said he would give blood for his sister.

They were soon hooked up in the treatment room. His sister looked pale and worn from the struggle of fighting the disease. Her brother looked like a picture of health. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, he grinned. The doctor began to see almost an instantaneous response to the transfusion. There was joy in the room as family and medical personnel were full of hope.

Toward the end of the procedure, the boy asked to speak with the doctor. When the doctor leaned over his bed, the boy asked in a broken voice, “Doc, when do I die?” It was only then that the doctor realized why there had been some hesitation in the beginning. The boy actually thought that the transfusion would result in giving up his own life! And with that in mind, he had made his great decision.

 How would you describe such a brave and courageous act of sacrifice?

 Jesus said in the verse preceding the one above…. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you

In a similar act of love, like the little boy who was willing to die for his sister, Jesus was willing and did die for not one, but for all the world. It was not a transfusion, but it was a sacrifice. Jesus didn’t survive the giving of His blood, but died on a cross. The little boy got up after the transfusion process, and lived. Jesus rose up three days later, and still lives today!

 If Jesus lives in you as your Lord and Savior, remember His words and make the great decision

“Love each other as I have loved you

Blessings,

Mike Holleman