
Mark, my buddy in seminary, was a big fan of Major League Baseball. He loved his Texas Rangers, and would often attend weekend games by himself.
One such Saturday night, sitting near the third base line, Mark began to feel wonky. He was sweating through his shirt, despite the pleasant September temps.
Light-headed and disoriented, my friend recognized what was happening. A type 1 diabetic since childhood, Mark knew his blood sugar was dangerously low.
He struggled to his feet and began to stagger up the steps toward the concessions, catching the notice of a nearby police officer.
At first, the cop thought Mark was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but my buddy instinctively reached for the medical alert he wore around his neck.
The officer caught on fast. “Hey, give me a Coke!” he yelled to a nearby vendor. There they stood together, for the next five minutes or so: Mark drinking as quickly as he could, with the cop holding on to his other arm.
Soon, my buddy felt well enough to make it to the concessions. A medical emergency was everted.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:17 (KJV)
Kind reader, there are spiritual “Marks” in this world–staggering up the steps to an uncertain future. And, like the kind cop, our job is to look beyond justice to mercy. A single cup of living water, from the ultimate vendor–Jesus Christ–will save their souls.
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️
Comments
39 responses to “Divine Intervention”
Ill be traveling by matts town in october so I’ll stop for a coffee or burger with him. That will be fun if it works out.
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I’ll be traveling by matts town in october so I’ll stop for a coffee or burger with him. That will be fun if it works out.
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I just remembered I never answered this comment, Gary. As we now know (it’s not a surprise), God provided a vehicle for Matt.
Thanks for helping me join the effort.
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This is my prayer, as well, Nancy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. God Bless!
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Oh yes, Lord, keep me alert for those around me who may be hurting, who need someone to come alongside–not with Coke but with living water (John 4:14).
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Yes, the police officer switched from cop to care giver quickly. When my friend told me the story, he emphasized how the officer held on to him the whole time he drank—until he felt better.
Thanks for stopping by, Matt!
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Being aware of others is so important as well as being in tune with what is going on.
I also like your story because it shows there are so many unsung police officers who help in so many ways that never get media attention.
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Thank you, Dawn. These were exactly the feelings I want convey in this post. Thank you for reading and sharing. Blessings!
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Love this story. Reminds us to be aware of others and also how much we need Jesus.
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And thank you for reading and commenting, brother. May God bless you and your family, too.
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Thank you for sharing Mark’s story David; so often we see incidents and forget the spiritual battles that are being fought for the souls of the lost. May we learn to recognise the reality as that cop did and save someone today. God bless you and your family brother.
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Preach it!!
We get a snapshot of a situation, but there’s always much more going on than we can at first see.
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Amen, brother. It’s wise to assume there’s at least one more thing about someone’s situation we know nothing about. This is where looking beyond justice to mercy comes into play. Oops, I’m preaching.☺️. God Bless.
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Such a powerful analogy, and so important!
Easy to judge what we see, without looking just a bit deeper (or taking a pause before responding)
Thanks David
Andy B
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You’re welcome, Peggy. Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!
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Love the analogy and application to our everyday Christian walk! Thanks.
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Thank you, Manette Kay. It sounds a little mystical, but Christians should be like channels for the river of God. We should 🎶Pass it on🎶 as the worship song from the 1970’s says. I am grateful for your encouragement. Thank you for sharing!
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Wow, David, your final paragraph summarizes the Gospel! Amen and amen to, “. . .our job is to look beyond justice to mercy. A single cup of living water, from the ultimate vendor–Jesus Christ–will save their souls.”
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Thanks for raising the bar David.
There is quite a story developing with our mutual friend. I’m hoping next week will be a good week for Matt with his needs.
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Thank you too. And yes, I believe good is way more than 50%.
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Thank you, brother. Some say the world is at least 50% bad, but I disagree. Evil exists, no doubt, but God is ultimately in control. I’ve been blessed to help a few strangers; it has always been a rewarding experience. Who knows, next time it could be you or me? Thank you for dropping by my little blog. God Bless you and your family!
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“ Our job is to look beyond justice to mercy. “ A stranger helping the Man with low sugar reminds me of the kindness and generosity of the Good Samaritan which today is very much relevant and gives us hope whenever we see them happen either through our lives or others. There is so much negativity in news and social media, but in truth, there is so much love and kindness still going around, and we just need to bring in more in the open so People will know God through others is more alive and relevant as ever. Great post my Friend. Have a great weekend.
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I appreciate your thoughtful and encouraging comments, Beth. Like you, I almost always tell a story, without using too many words. God Bless.
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Wow David! You have masterfully woven together story, scripture, and a powerful call to action.
That thought will stick with me – “Kind reader, there are spiritual “Marks” in this world–staggering up the steps to an uncertain future. And, like the kind cop, our job is to look beyond justice to mercy. A single cup of living water, from the ultimate vendor–Jesus Christ–will save their souls.”
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Thanks, Gary. I try to stay on “high receive “ myself. By the way, I pitched in to help our mutual friend, Matt. Your encouragement and example led the way. Blessings!
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Such a good reminder David. To be ready to see, willing and able to help is so important. I constantly ask the Lord for an “awareness” beyond what I see. This is not just good but a necessary post. Thankyou.
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You, too, David.
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I’ve heard the quote you’re referring to. Yes, we never know who God might put in our path, or vice-versa. It’s best to be on high-receive. Thank you for your input. God Bless!
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I’m glad it ended well, too, Bridget. Mark told me about it the next time I saw him in class. As I recall, he called someone to come pick him up at the ballpark—leaving his car until the next day. Thanks for reading and sharing. God’s best you!
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This so true. One reason I love reading about your adventures on your blog is hearing about your authentic, positive interactions with others. Thank you for sharing. As you say, “Enjoy your day.”
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What a touching story, I am glad it ended well. And a wonderful reminder for us as well. Thank you for the encouraging word.
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Thanks, Craig. I’ve found it best to let my readers fill in the blanks with their own thoughts. You’ve made some wonderful applications I didn’t think of. I appreciate your stopping by. God Bless!
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I love the quote which essentially says we should show kindness to everyone for we never know the heartaches they are struggling with. Often, that is how God uses us to show his compassion and love. Thanks for the reminder.
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What a great application. Love looks past justice to mercy. Interesting, too, that just as your friend was awakened to his need, it is those the Father draws who are awakened to their need and seek and find the help they so desperately require. It is His to draw and ours to be ready with the cup of cold water.
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Thank you for your post, David. A good reminder to be on the lookout for those who need our help – or our mercy – or the example of living our faith. How we live our lives matters in so many ways – more than we know.
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I hear you, Pastor Pete. This is my prayer, too.
Several years after the incident with my friend, I encountered a man standing near the counter at a fast food restaurant. He showed similar symptoms—which I had never forgotten. I looked down and on his wrist was a medical alert bracelet. It said “Diabetic.” I yelled to the kid behind the counter, “I need a Coke, fast!
Well, I guess you have to be a cop, because mine didn’t come free—cost me $1.34!
Anyway, I got the man to a table and gave him the coke. He was feeling better soon, and I helped him call his daughter.
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Great reminder before going out today, to not keep the focus on me and my problems and miss someone else in danger.
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Yes! Thank you, Barb. This is my prayer as well. Blessings!
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Father God,
Is there someone “in the danger zone” that I need to reach out to today? This week? Use me as you will.
AMEN
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