Michael Patterson… Good Samaritan dies after rescuing stranger

Michael Patterson - The Good Samaritan

Read: John 3:16-19

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in will never die.  John 11:26

WWJD

What would you do if a stranger was in need? Would you sacrifice yourself and help? Would you think twice before diving into a creek to rescue a drowning person or would you be a noisy bystander?  

The Good Samaritan

June 8, 2013 was a sunny day filled with laughter, fun, and food. Michael Patterson and his son were enjoying the park when he noticed a young child struggling in a near by creek.  Without given it a second thought Michael Patterson dove in and rescued four year old Javaeh Jones and within seconds their lives would change forever.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a powerful illustration of how a stranger took time to help an injured man who had been beaten. During our life journey we may never encounter situations as dramatic as the beaten traveler or a drowning child as did Michael Patterson but if a person was in need would you sacrifice yourself or just walk away?

Michael Patterson’s will to help came with a price. After diving into a creek, he broke his neck, back, and was paralyzed from his chest down.  His complications got worse. Despite his injuries Mr. Patterson’s mother said she knows her son would do it again because that is the type person he was.  God so loved the world that he gave his only son.  Jesus came to earth in human form.  He was crucified, died, buried and rose from the dead for the sins of man.

Mixed emotions

Earlier this week Mr. Patterson succumbed to his injuries.  When I heard the news the first thought that came to mind was “Michael Patterson paid the ultimate price – died for someone else so that they could live.” I am sure there were mixed emotions from both families – a father and husband is now dead. A mother asking what if you were not in the creek this man would be still alive. Are you willing to die for someone? "I will die for you..."

But there is a lesson to be learned. Romans 8: 12-13 we have an obligation if we live by the flesh we will die by it. But if we live by the spirit we will put away misdeeds and live.  I believe in my heart the noble actions of Mr. Patterson is an example of putting way selfish needs and thinking of others.  Though he died in the flesh surely he will live in eternity with Christ.

A family in need

There is a need for us to help Michael Patterson’s family.  At the time of his injury he had just started a new job and did not have any medical insurance.  To compound matters the family now faces burial expenses on top of medical bills.  The following link is how you can assist the family

Let us pray

Father God in heaven thank you for Michael Patterson and his will to sacrifice his life for someone else.  Lord though we will never understand why this man suffered and died I ask Lord that his death not be in vain.  My Christians and non-Christians alike learn from his sacrificing that this man loved a stranger as if they were his own.  Lord Bless his family may your spirit comfort them during this time of need provide for them everything that is needed. keep them covered with your grace and mercy now and forever more.  Father may I learn to have a spirit of helping and sacrificing just as Michael Patterson.  These things I pray in your son Jesus Christ name. Amen.