In a world filled with resumes, professional networks, and online profiles, it’s easy to believe that skills are the most important asset. In Jesus’ kingdom, however, something deeper matters most.
Recently, a bus driver named Dorian Pace from Cleveland, Ohio, saved 15 children from a bus that began to release smoke. Recognizing the danger, he quickly pulled over and evacuated the children. After they were safely away, the bus erupted in flames—a potential disaster averted. Dorian wasn’t a trained firefighter; instead, he was “available,” went into action, took command, and was prayed up.
While we can prepare for emergencies, we cannot predict when they will happen. Many of us keep emergency bags near the door or in our car, but we don’t carry them everywhere. Yet, emergencies arise in various forms every day. For instance, if someone leaves a backpack behind, our instinct is often to alert them rather than call 911, as that backpack might contain something vital like medication or asthma inhalers or important documents.
Throughout the Bible, God called individuals to respond during critical moments. These “emergencies” varied—from warning people of impending judgment to providing for widows in need or healing the blind. God sent prophets, righteous leaders, and ultimately Jesus to take action and serve.
Spiritually, we too were in an emergency, facing the dire prospect of eternal hell without hope. Jesus saved us from eternal separation from Him. While we don’t have to sacrifice as He did, we are called to fulfill the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…and [secondly] love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
This means being “available,” ready to go into action as God asks of us, take command in Jesus’ name, and stay prayed up. Like Mr. Pace, we are called to be the emergency responders for a world in an emergency state.
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
