There is a
disease that is wreaking havoc in Africa.
It is causing unbelievable amounts of suffering in those who have been
infected, as well as emotional damage to those who love them. Living in Africa, I have had the great
displeasure of witnessing first-hand those who are suffering from this
disease. I’ve seen some who are
desperate for a cure for their condition, seeking urgently for some
relief. I’ve also seen those who are not
yet aware of the severity of the disease.
These have no idea what is coming if they don’t receive treatment
soon.
This disease has
even made appearances in America and other parts of the world. Efforts to contain it are extremely
important, but it seems to spread so very easily. I’m very concerned about what it means for
the future. A true pandemic may be
inevitable and unavoidable.
Untreated, this
disease has a 100% fatality rate. Many
treatments have been tried, but there is only one that is effective. There was one man who seemed to have immunity
to the disease. Transfusions of this man’s
blood have proven to be a remarkably effective treatment. So far, the only known power for cure is in
his blood. Without it the disease will
spread unchecked and result in untold devastation for countless people.
It is hard to
admit, but I, myself, have been infected by the disease. I am happy to report however, that the
treatment has proven quite effective in my life. For this reason, I am anxious to spread the
cure to as many as possible.
By now you
realize that I’m not talking about Ebola, AIDS, bird-flu, swine-flu, anthrax,
or any similar disease. The disease to
which I refer is much deadlier, and much more widespread. It is sin.
All adults have been infected (Romans 3:23). It is ultimately fatal (Romans 6:23). The only cure is the blood of Jesus (1 John
1:7), and healing can be found nowhere else (Acts 4:12).
This knowledge is
why I am an evangelist, and why I think you should be too. I don’t mean that you have to stand in a
pulpit, or be on a church payroll. I
only mean that you should be doing what is in your power to spread the word to
those who are within your realm of influence.
If you knew the cure to Ebola, would you keep it from your friend who
was infected? How much more then should
you share the life-giving knowledge that can rescue others from the death that
comes from sin?
I am not afraid
of Ebola. I am not afraid of terrorists. I am not afraid of poisonous snakes. I AM afraid of meeting my Lord unprepared (Matthew
10:28). I AM afraid of what will happen
to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:8),
and I long and pray for their salvation (Romans 10:1).
The world is so
distracting, but let’s do our best to keep the perspective that comes from
setting out minds on things above rather than things on earth (Colossians 3:2).
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