In Pursuit of JesusSample

A “New Man”

As a group of teenagers visited a home for the elderly in Jamaica, one young woman noticed a man at the end of the room. He appeared to have little in this world but a bed to sleep on—a bed from which he could not move because of his disability.

The teen shared with him the story of God’s love and read some Bible passages. As she did, she said later, “I started to feel his eagerness to hear more.” In response, she explained the wonder of Jesus’ sacrificial death. “It was hard for this man, who had no hope and no family,” she recalled, “to understand that Someone he’s never met would love him enough to die on the cross for his sins.”

She told him more about Jesus—and then about the promise of heaven (including a new body) for all who believe. “Will you dance with me up there?” he asked. She saw him begin to imagine himself free of his worn-out body and crippling limitations.

When he said he wanted to trust Jesus as his Savior, she helped him pray a prayer of forgiveness and faith. Then she asked if she could get a picture with him. He replied, “If you help me sit up. I’m a new man.”

Praise God for the life-changing, hope-giving, available-to-all gospel of Jesus Christ! It offers new life for all who trust Him (Colossians 1:5, 23). —Dave Branon

Who or what helped draw you to the Savior? What thrills you most about the prospect of heaven?

Lord, thank You for the new life we have in Jesus Christ. Help us to share the hope of that new life with others so they can be made new as well.