The University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in downtown Baltimore is considered by some to be the best in the world. The unit treats some 7,000 patients each year, including victims of gunshot wounds and car wrecks; 97 percent of which survive. Top surgical residents come from around the world to train at the center.

Center director, Dr. Thomas Scalea, often works 100 hours a week. He said: "It's as close to being a "resurrector" as you can get. We take people who are arguably dead and make them alive."

I am very grateful for the marvels of medical science and for the tremendous efforts that are made by caring people to help the sick, the injured, and the dying. But, I hope that all of us realize that our bodies are slowly going downhill and that we are all heading for the grave. I sometimes imagine the human race as "standing in line" for our turn to come; the only unknown factor is that none of us knows his exact position in the line.

Every patient that Dr. Scalea has "brought back to life" will die one day. That's why our hope must be put in Jesus Christ who was truly raised from the dead and who offers permanent victory over death. (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-54) Jesus told Martha: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)

And as Christians, you and I are in the resurrection business. We have the privilege and the opportunity of sharing the message of eternal life with people who are destined for eternal death.

When the Lord called Saul, He told him: "I am sending you to the gentiles, to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." (Acts 28:17-18)

When you and I share the saving message of Jesus with our friends we are proclaiming the word of life. (see 1 John 1:1)

Dr. Scalea happily works 100 hours a week because he knows that what he is doing is really significant. What could be more exciting or more satisfying than bringing people back from the dead? What could be more fulfilling than telling someone about Jesus and seeing their life be transformed here and now, and know that they have found eternal life in Him?

Have you forgotten that as disciples of Christ we are in the resurrection business?

Have you become sidetracked, spending your time doing other things of lesser value?

We are all surrounded by people who are dying.
Who can you help today?

We are all surrounded by people who are dying. Let's use our time and our energies to proclaim the good news of life in Jesus our Lord!

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)