Acts 2:41-47
“Now and Long Ago” by Glen Lough, recounts the history of Marion County, West Virginia. In that account the reader is told of Frederick Ice who was an early settler on the South Branch of the Potomac River in Frederick County, Virginia. In 1752 Indians raided his cabin. They killed Frederick’s wife Mary and kidnapped three of his children.
Frederick’s son William lived with the Indians for several years before he finally escaped. He was reunited with his father. Frederick’s daughters, Christina and Marguerite were never to return. Some Indian traders tried to rescue them but that they refused the offer. They both later married Indians and became willing members of the Indian community.
This account parallels the human predicament. We have been kidnapped and enslaved in sin. A rescue has been offered. It is up to each person, however, whether or not the offer will be accepted. We can easily escape the clutches of sin by humbling ourselves and asking for God’s forgiveness. On the other hand, if we insist we can be married to the life of sin and refuse the grace of God.
Dr. Gayle Woods
Romans 4:16-25 (25)
Robert Coleman tells a gripping story in his book “Written in Blood.”
The doctor explained to little Johnny that his sister, Mary, had the same disease he had recovered from two years earlier. Marys only chance for recovery was a transfusion from someone who had previously overcome the disease. They both had the same rare blood type, so Johnny was the ideal donor.
“Would you give your blood to Mary?” the doctor asked.
Johnnys lower lip started to tremble. Finally he said, “Sure, for my sister.”
Soon the procedure was begun. As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm, Johnny’s smile faded. He watched the blood flow through the tube.
With his voice quivering Johnny finally broke the silence. “Doctor, when do I die?”
It was then that the doctor realized why Johnny had hesitated when he’d agreed to donate his blood. He’d thought giving his blood to his sister meant giving up his life. In that brief moment, he’d made his great decision.
Johnny didn’t have to die to save his sister. Our condition more serious than Mary’s, however, and Jesus had to give not just his blood, but his life. He died on the cross that we might be forgiven of our sinfulness and have eternal life.
Dr. Gayle Woods
