On Sight and Salvation
January 12, 2010
Jim Cymbala preaches at a church in the slums of New York. One Sunday after services, a man came up to him who looked about fifty. His front teeth were missing, and he was disheveled and filthy. When the man got within five feet, Jim smelled a horrible scent. It was so awful that he inhaled by looking away from the man, talking with him, and then looking away to inhale, again. Jim thought, “I’ll give him some money, and he’ll be on his way.” As he took out his billfold, the man said, “I don’t want your money. I want this Jesus, the one you were talking about. I need him because I’m not going to make it. I’m going to die on the street.” Jim felt a deep sense of shame and regret in his soul. A man he was about to dismiss was a man who was actually hungry for Christ. Jim began to cry, and the man began to cry. As they embraced, the visitor’s formerly offensive odor became a beautiful aroma as Jim began to see not a drifting alcoholic but a precious soul for whom Christ died. He learned that the man’s name was David. David responded to Jesus in faith, and the Lord dramatically began to change his life. For example, he memorized portions of Scripture in an incredible way. In addition, Jim’s church got him a place to live and hired him to do maintenance on the building. They also got his teeth fixed and, after a six-day detox, a handsome fellow (of thirty-two, not fifty) greeted them upon his discharge from the hospital. And the changes continued. David spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with Jim and his family. A year later, he shared before the congregation his conversion to Christ. As they witnessed David’s talent and passion for the word, Jim’s church encouraged him in ministry. Today he is an associate minister with a church in New Jersey. What does this account teach us, West Broad and friends? Only that even people of faith can be guilty of judging persons based on outward appearance (James 2:1-4). But what would have happened to David if Jim trusted his eyes instead of opening his heart? David’s life is a testimony of the change that is possible in Jesus Christ. It is a testimony of the change the Lord can bring about in your life. As this New Year begins, may we all look beyond the present and visualize the possibilities. Think about it! —JLNJR (Resource: Adapted from article by David Huss, 1/4/10)
