Read Acts 20:13-27
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (v. 27).
The hospital called me asking for my help because a woman was told she had not long to live, and she wanted someone to be with her. When I entered the room I saw a very small emaciated woman, whom I later learned was eighty-seven years old and weighed eighty-six pounds. Ruth was scared. My concern was her soul, and I wasted no time in inquiring about her relationship with the Lord. She assured me that she was trusting Christ for salvation, but her fear stemmed from the thought of being alone at the hour of death. I promised Ruth as I sat on her bed that I would stay until family members had time to arrive.
There is a lesson in that narrative just as today’s passage suggests. The message of the gospel is best delivered by someone with skin. Paul taught publicly and went from house to house. He was there. He could be seen. His touch could be felt. His voice could be heard at close range.
We should be thankful for mass mailing, blogs, email, and texting, but nothing will replace human presence — the touch of the hand, the arm around the shoulder, or the embrace. Most of us who have come to Christ came because of a personal encounter with a real, live, caring human. The gospel without arms, legs, and voice is not nearly as effective as the gospel preached in person. (Lonnie Witt)
The depth of our commitment to the proclamation of the gospel can be demonstrated by just how much direct effort we put into its declaration.
This week's featured devotional is the Friday, March 7, 2014 entry of Opening the Word. Order your copy!
Photo Credit: "Caronlina Hospital Bed" by bfi Office Furniture used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped.
