On Bypass

Forty-one states in the U.S. are currently battling widespread influenza outbreaks, including Illinois, where six people – all older than 50 – have died, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.  The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 18 children have died in the U.S. during this flu season.

Some emergency rooms in the U.S. have been overwhelmed with so many flu patients that they’ve had to turn some of them and others with non-life-threatening conditions away due to lack of space.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL was one of eight hospitals in the country on “bypass” on Monday and Tuesday.  “On bypass” means that the hospital asks ambulances to take patients to other hospitals if they can do so safely.  The situation is due to influenza; Northwestern recently reported a 20 percent increase in flu patients every day.

Hospitals turning patients away??  That’s how bad the flu season is right now!

Yet there is ANOTHER condition that is much more serious and life-threatening…

The most serious condition affecting mankind is SIN.  “For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  The situation is UNIVERSAL, affecting every person of every tribe of every nation.  And, it is DEADLY, for “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

But God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross to redeem us from sin (John 3:16).  His blood is the remedy that will heal our sin-sick souls and give us eternal life (Ephesians 1:7).

And Jesus won’t turn anyone away who is willing to submit his life to Him.

On one occasion, some scribes and Pharisees were disturbed because Jesus ate with some tax collectors and sinners.  Jesus told them: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Luke 5:27-32).

That’s Good News because ALL of us need the Great Physician!

Jesus will heal the sin-sick souls of those who will place their faith and trust in Him (Acts16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

Won’t YOU allow the Great Physician to heal your sin-sick soul?  You won’t be “bypassed” or turned away - if you will humble yourself and come to Him on His terms.