As we crossed the David Ortiz Bridge over the Massachusetts Turnpike late in the evening in June 2024, George asked me once more to stop so he could rest. Red Sox fans by the hundreds briskly walked by, celebrating a victory over my Philadelphia Phillies. With the
continuous need for George to rest every 100 feet, I wondered how late I would get home.
We finally made it to the T. George was clearly struggling and was eager to sit down in the subway car. He pushed himself to the front of the line, partially blocking people from exiting the train. An arrogant college student told his friends behind me that
someone needed to teach the old man a lesson. I turned around and lectured the young man, informing him the "old man" wasn't feeling well and to knock it off. The dude showed respect and apologized for his words.
I had been looking forward to this outing with my co-worker for months. George sat next to me at work and we had become friends. We'd
talk about politics, sports, MeTV, culture, and his favorite pastime, model railroading. He continuously promised I could come to his house and see his setup in his basement. George texted me during the Super Bowl last month to express his delight that my Philadelphia Eagles were beating the Kansas City Chiefs. Most importantly, George and I would talk about faith. He was interested in both my radio show and my books. He expressed an interest in hearing my views about Jesus and about God.
"What time is your Christmas mass?" the staunch Roman Catholic would ask me.
"Well, we don't call it a mass but it starts at 4 pm. I'd love to have you come, George."
He never made it to my church and I never stepped into his home to see his trains. George, a brilliant man whom the company relied upon for his vast knowledge of metal finishing, was suffering from rapidly declining health. Despite the loving advice of his co-workers, George had a variety of excuses he used to convince himself that he would be fine and he had a long life ahead
of him. Over the past year George's breathing deteriorated to the point where he had to rest after walking short distances in the office. All of us at work became more and more concerned for him.
About two months ago I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to visit George in the hospital. His condition had declined so much that he finally acknowledged he
needed medical attention. He was so happy that I visited him that day and he was in a cheerful and optimistic frame of mind. He invited me to share the gospel with him. He told me he wholeheartedly believed that everything I was saying about Jesus was true.
Yet, I never heard him say, "Jesus is my savior." In fact, I heard him say, "we are saved
by faith in Jesus BUT we can also do good works to get to heaven."
Last Monday George didn't come to work and he never called in to explain why. Several of us tried to call him but he never answered. I told my wife, who works with me, that I had a very bad feeling. My intuition was confirmed when the police found George deceased in his bed a few
hours later.
Is George with Jesus today? I don't know. He seemed to hold on to a "faith + works" doctrine of salvation up until the very end. My hope is that it was the Holy Spirit who moved me to visit him in the hospital that day and to share the gospel with George clearly and with love in my heart for his eternal destiny. Why would the Holy
Spirit do that if George would not receive Christ as his savior?
My brothers and sisters in Christ, do you know a friend or loved one who doesn't know the Lord? Are you planning on sharing the gospel with them at some point down the road? Maybe you won't have that future opportunity. Maybe the only opportunity you will ever have to share the
gospel with them is today. Please ask the Lord for courage and the opportunity to share the hope of salvation with Jesus Christ with those who may encounter Him face-to-face sooner than later.
