APRIL 2, Romans 5:8

Sally was nervous as she sat in the hospital waiting room after her baby brother had been hurt in an accident. “Will Tom be okay, Daddy?” she asked anxiously after a doctor came in and talked quietly with her mom and dad.

Dad nodded. “Yes,” he said, “but he needs your help. Tom has a very rare blood type, and you’re the only person we know who has that same type of blood. He needs some of your blood in order to live, dear. Okay?”

Sally hesitated a few moments. Then she said in a shaky voice, “O-okay. I love Tom so much, so if my blood will make him live, I… I do want to give it to him.” Dad went on to explain the procedure, but Sally was nervous and didn’t understand much of what he said.

Soon everything was ready, and a cheerful nurse prepared to take some of Sally’s blood. Sally was very tense and held tightly to her mother’s hand. After a few minutes, she looked up and asked, “How soon will I die?” Mom gasped. “Die?” she asked. “Did you think giving blood would make you die, Sally?” Fearfully, Sally nodded. “Oh, honey,” said Mom, giving her a big hug, “you’re not going to die. You’ll be giving only a little of your blood.”

The nurse nodded. “It might make you feel a little weak, but you’ll be up and running around again in no time,” she assured Sally.

When Dad heard about it, he gave Sally an extra big hug. “I’m so sorry we didn’t make sure you understood what would happen,” he said. He patted Sally’s curls. “We wouldn’t ask you to give your life for your brother,” he added, “but we’ll never forget that you were willing to do that. I thank God for you-and for this reminder of what Jesus has done for us.”

“What do you mean, Daddy?” asked Sally. “I’m reminded of the One who did die for us-Jesus, God’s Son,” said Dad. “He gave His blood-He gave His life-for every man, woman, boy, and girl. Because He did that, we receive forgiveness for our sins when we put our trust in Him, and He gives us eternal life.”

Sally nodded. “Jesus died for me,” she said simply. “I love Him for that.”

Thought: Are you sure you are saved? Have you accepted that gift of eternal life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that You love me so much that You sent Jesus to die for me on the Cross. May I be sure I am saved. If not, I admit now that I am a sinner and invite Jesus to be my personal Lord and Saviour. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.