January 13, 2021: Only Jesus

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, KJV).

In academy we were required to take a class on the Bible. One of our ongoing assignments was to read and summarize sections of Ellen White’s book, The Desire of Ages—something I had never done before.

Later in the year, we came to Chapter 17 where White focused on Nicodemus. My eyes were opened; I was a sinner and in need of Christ. I read so many godly pleas for my soul to surrender to Him, and, in tears, I underlined them feverishly. I could feel Him calling me. But what happens when we don’t listen and respond?

Thirty years later, I attended a Bible study via Zoom. As Juan, the presenter, brought the truth to our study, we discussed the story of the disciples’ boat that began to sink in the Sea of Galilee. Juan’s thoughtful and God-given questions, and our sincere answers, reminded me of the Bible studies in academy, and those heart-tugs returned.

The next day after church, I picked up my 30-year-old copy of The Desire of Ages and flipped through it to find and think about the highlighted and underlined statements I chose so long ago. Then I got to Nicodemus’ story again.

As I read, I realized that there is nothing in the entire universe that will ultimately save us from hurt, pain, rejection, loneliness, trauma, injustice, fear, nor any other ungodly thing, except for Jesus. As we accept Him by faith, He will save us and give us hope to live through these last days.

Dear God, thank You for not leaving me. Please save me right now. Amen.

Rodney Turner is a member of the First Church of Montclair in New Jersey.​