Craig Clouston

 In Times of Need

October 14

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14

Lew had outlived his three-month life expectancy by two years before hospice was called in. For those two years, Lew lived: visiting museums, taking walks with his beloved, Patty, and working in his garden from time to time.

On the eve of his death, Lew kept calling for Judy. Judy was, as she put it, Lew’s wash girl; her ministry had been to tenderly meet Lew’s bathing needs. Knowing Judy wasn’t scheduled to work that day, Patty called hospice, asking that they send her anyway. “Lew is asking for Judy. Please tell her.”

When later the doorbell rang, Patty was pleasantly surprised to find Brenda, Lew’s RN, smiling through the door at her! “I just left the Healing Hands of Christ seminar and felt led to stop by and see Lew. Would that be okay?” she asked.

“Oh, yes!” Patty exclaimed, welcoming Brenda with a hug.

After simmering a pot of hyssop, frankincense, and myrrh, Brenda anointed Lew with the spices, salving his hands and feet and head while hymns softly played. As she finished, Lew lifted his right hand, pointing toward the corner of the room.

“Do you see someone, Lew?” Brenda asked. His head nodded yes. “Is this someone you know?” she prompted. He shook his head no. “Is this someone speaking to you?” she asked.

“Can’t you hear him?” Lew said in wonder.

“No, we can’t,” they replied.

“It’s the Angel of the Lord, come to take me home.” Trying to sit up, Lew remarked, “You can’t take a trip lying down!”

†

God’s conspicuous attention through the persons of Judy and Brenda, as well as revealing His Angel’s presence as He took Lew home, was personal.

And this is the hope we have in Christ Jesus when we choose to accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

It is appointed unto man once to die; we will not escape this life alive. But we can take great comfort in the knowledge that having made the choice to become one of God’s children, in times of need, we will be tended by ministering spirits.

Prayer

“Loving Father, be near to those who are in need today, regardless of the reason. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”