The empty bed

The empty bed

Bible: Matthew 28:16-20

Reading

Go and make disciples of all nations (V.19).

I was looking forward to returning to St. James Infirmary in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I wanted to see Rendell, who had trusted Jesus as his Saviour two years earlier. Evie, a youth in the mission team I’d travelled with then, had shared Jesus with Rendell—which led to him turning to God himself. But when I entered the men’s section of the home and looked towards Rendell’s bed, I found it was empty. I went to the nurse’s desk, and was told what I didn’t want to hear. He had passed away—just five days before I arrived. I texted Evie the sad news. Her reply showed her strong trust in Jesus:
“Rendell is celebrating with Jesus.” Later she said, “It’s a good thing we told him about Jesus when we did.” Her words reminded me of the importance of being ready to lovingly share with others about who Jesus is. No, it’s not always easy to tell others about the One who will “be with [us] always” (MATTHEW 28:20). But when we think about the difference it made for us and for people like Rendell, perhaps we’ll be encouraged to be even more ready to “make disciples” wherever we go (V.19). I’ll never forget the sadness of seeing that empty bed—and also the joy of knowing what a difference one youth made in Rendell’s forever life.

SHARING THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS

IS URGENT WORK.

                                      Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries