George Best
The story of Naaman in the Bible is well known. You can read it in 2nd Kings Ch.5. Naaman was a great man; honourable and a mighty man of valour. But he was a leper.
George Best, the famous footballer had the world at his feet. He had looks, talent, fame and fortune. But he was an alcoholic. George's WORST decision must have been to take his first drink. If only he had known and heeded the scripture, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby, is not wise." Proverbs Ch. 20 v 1. Georges lifestyle had caught up with him. He was very ill.
The day George was admitted to Cromwell Hospital, 26th September 2005, Radio Bible Class Daily Bread reading was "Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap."
Both Naaman and George were given the opportunity to make life-changing decisions. God was working in both their lives. In Naaman's home he had a little captive maid who told of the prophet Elisha in Samaria who would be able to help him. Naaman decided to seek out the prophet and then following his instructions he was healed of his leprosy.
In the hospital God had Joyce, a Christian nurse, who read the Bible and prayed with George at every opportunity. About three weeks before his death George accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his own, personal Saviour, making without a doubt the BEST decision of his life. In the words of Joyce "he confessed with his mouth." Romans Ch 10 v 9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him fom the dead, thou shalt be saved."
George enjoyed many privileges as a celebrity. His status meant he was treated like royalty on many occasions. However, his place in heaven was gained when he took his place as a sinner and not as George Best, world famous footballer.
All the family who had been at his bedside left for home on the 26th November 2005, the day after George died. The Radio Bible Class reading for the day was 1st Corinthians Ch. 15 v 56,57 " The sting of death is sin, but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ." The little thought with it was,
We never have seen, nor heard, nor imagined-The wonderful future the Lord has prepared. For those who will love and trust and receive Him-This glorious truth, He plainly declares.
On the 3rd December 2005, the day of George's funeral, his sister got assurance from God about where George was now. The Daily Bread reading was "This thy brother was dead and is alive again, was lost and is found." The story of the prodigal son is found in Luke Ch. 15 v 11-32.
It is never too soon to come home to God. But you could leave it too late. Dear friend, please do not put off salvation in the hope of a last minute conversation, you may not get that chance.
"Boast not thyself of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs Ch. 27 v1.
"Behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of salvation." 2nd Corinthians Ch. 6 v 2.
C.A.M
