There have been some good things to come out of Dad’s cancer journey. One has been the relationships built with the special people who work at Levine. When they found out that Dad would be resuming treatment, they made sure to make him feel special.
He got the nickname of “Superman” the first time he went for treatment because he wore a Superman t-shirt that had been given to him. That nickname has stuck. When he returned for his first treatment this time, his chair had a sign which read: “Superman – This chair is reserved for the one and only Superman!” That special treatment and care shown to him not only made him feel good, but it touched my mom and us all.
Because of the whole covid issue, the patient receiving treatment can no longer have someone sitting with them while taking treatment. When he went before, my mom would accompany him. I would go sometimes if he was there during my lunch time. Others would occasionally drop by to see him as well. But now he is there alone. Sitting in his reserved chair.
The nurses are good to keep my mom informed during the time Dad is there and they call to let her know when he is close to finishing and can be picked up. So in spite of the reason he is there, he has enjoyed getting out of the house and around people who enjoy picking with him. And those nurses have become friends.
It reminded me of several places in the Book of Acts when Paul was in ministry. Sometimes he served alone, but many times he had friends that would go with him on his missionary journeys. And once when he was imprisoned, the Bible specifically states that his friends were allowed to meet his needs.
“He gave orders to the centurion for Paul to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from providing for his needs.” Acts 24:23 NASB
Even though Levine is not a prison, Dad is having to go alone and is not there just because he wants to be. While sitting in his reserved seat, restricted by the IV he is hooked up to, special friends are there to meet his needs.
But I also keep thinking about his reserved seat. And how we all who are in Christ, also have a reserved seat waiting on us. In fact, part of us is already there!
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:4-9 NASB
And it’s not just a seat reserved for us, but a heavenly inheritance.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9 NASB
Dad is experiencing his trials now. And his faith is being tested. But that faith has not failed him. He is trusting fully in God. He’s not worried about the cancer. God took it away before, and he knows God will take it away again. It’s the side effects that trouble him the most. The severe physical discomfort isn’t pleasant at all. But even in the midst of his suffering, he has joy inexpressible and full of glory. Joy in the wonderful relationships he has built at Levine. But more than anything, the joy in his salvation and his reserved seat with Jesus.
Your reserved seat awaits, Dad.
“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 NASB