Cash for Kidneys?

It seems hard to fathom, but it is true. Some in the U.K., where the credit crunch is perhaps worse than in the U.S., are beginning to sell their expendable organs for desperately needed income. For example, advertisements have recently appeared in the internet offering to exchange a kidney for cash at the hefty price of $40,000.

For the most part, these organ deals are due to a seller’s severe financial condition. But amazingly, others seem willing to give up a precious piece of themselves for lesser reasons like home improvement projects such as remodeling their kitchen. Nearly 7,000 people in the U.K. are currently in need of kidney transplants and 300 died last year while waiting for the life-saving organ.

One British cab driver explained his rationale for offering up his kidney. He had refused to sell it to a ‘client’ he believed would just resell it for a profit. He stated, “I thought I was going to give another man a chance of life. I wanted to help myself at the same time.”

It is fully understandable why some would be willing to pay almost any price in order to extend their own lives. But it is somewhat hard to grasp how those on the other side would feel compelled to receive any money matter through such drastic measures – especially considering the basic truth offered in Ephesians chapter five. While dealing with husband and wife relationships, the author records in verse 29, “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.”

In the spiritual realm there is a comparison to the above issue, only it departs significantly on the details that really count. The Bible clearly states how each of those who make up the human race are on a list and one that eventually leads to death. All are born equally with no hope of buying, working, or wiggling their way off that list. They are simply and fully dead in trespasses and sin according to Ephesians 2:5. That is the bad news. But the good news is shared in that same passage. Verse 6 goes on to say, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”

The good news is that each one on the ill-fated eternal death list may turn to Jesus Christ to in order to depart it. They can be transferred to another list in an instant - to one Scripture calls the 'Lamb’s Book of Life' in Revelation 21:27. But for that to have ever occurred required something huge. It was unimaginably drastic and beyond difficult. It meant the willingness of God’s Son to give up His own sinless body to allow a transferral of His forgiveness and divine nature. His is a supernatural life and far more important that anything physical could ever be. It is spiritual and it is eternal!

The Lord spoke of the sacrifice of His own body when he first instructed His followers to observe what we know as the Lord’s Supper. His exact words are preserved in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In John 10:17-18, He revealed how this offering of His body was through His own power and for His own purpose. He declared, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”

The eternal fate of those who have died in the U.K., or anywhere else, while waiting for a healthy kidney is now sealed. But those who remain alive in hopes of a medical miracle should use their precious time most wisely. They still possess a golden opportunity. They all equally head the list for the ultimate transplant. It is a list comprised of those having promises abundant life now and the guarantee of the glory of a heavenly to follow. And all that come will find no frustrating waiting lists, possible rejection, outrageous costs, or any other disappointing stipulation. The transplant is free and requires only that they fully trust the forgiveness of their sins and the future of their souls to the ‘Great Physician’, Jesus Christ!

The prophet Isaiah spoke of God’s great invitation His abundant and free life in chapter fifty-five. He explains the amazing cost factor in verse one.

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk, Without money and without price.”

Then New Testament explains the miraculous mechanics of this most glorious healing like this.

“Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life." (Romans 5:18)

Cash for kidneys, and a temporarily extended life, may be the future for a fortunate few. But Christ for life everlasting brings far better and glorious future and is available to all!

Bill Breckenridge