On Thursday afternoon, October 28, 2004, Matt Casias was working at his print
shop on Santa Fe Drive in Denver , Colorado . He looked out his window and saw a
woman being mugged. Three men were assaulting her... struggling with her for her
purse.
Matt jumped up and ran into the street to her rescue. He was able to stop the
mugging. The woman, Brenda Turner, was safe, but in the struggle, Matt was shot
in the chest by one of the muggers.
For his act of heroism, Colorado Governor Bill Owens presented Matt with the
Governor's Medal of Valor during his "State of the State" address on January 13,
2005. Governor Owens stated that he was presenting the medal to Matt, "not
simply for his actions in saving Brenda, but for all he does for his family, his
community and for Colorado . He is an example for ALL of us."
Another amazing aspect of Matt’s actions is that Matt didn’t know the woman
being mugged. He acted on impulse and "took a bullet" for a complete stranger.
The Bible states: "Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a
good man someone might possibly dare to die" (Romans 5:7). But WHO would risk
his life for a complete stranger? Matt Casias did. He is truly a hero,
especially to Brenda Turner.
Matt’s heroic actions remind us of another Person who actually gave His life,
not just for "strangers" but for His "enemies". The Apostle Paul reminded some
Christians in Rome about the great love of God: "But God demonstrates his own
love for us in this: While we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us … For if,
when we were God's "enemies" we were reconciled to him through the death of his
Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"
(Rom 5:8,10).
Our sin places us at enmity with God (Isaiah 59:1-2; James 4:4). Our SIN is also
the "bullet" that will destroy us eternally (Romans 6:23). But Jesus "took the
bullet" for us. He died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 2:24) that we might
be saved -- reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
Reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ is promised to ALL who will: believe
in Jesus and trust Him (Acts 16:30-31), repent of their sins and turn to Him (2
Corinthians 7:9-10), confess Him before Him (Romans 10:9-10), be baptized
(immersed) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and follow Him all the days
of their lives (1 John 1:7).
Jesus "took a bullet" for YOU! He DIED so that you might LIVE.
Will YOU accept His offer?
David A. Sargent
Living Water creekwood@comcast.net
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.