The following is a fictional interview, from a fictional character, Sgt. Joe Friday, from Dragnet. Only the names have been changed, to protect the innocent. It takes place outside Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, after a Saturday evening service. I was introduced to Joe by one of the ushers, who pointed out an old man walking across the foyer, and he graciously spoke with me for about 30 minutes. I hope it encourages you as it did me.
MIKE MOHN-Sgt., so glad to meet you. I didn't realize you went here.
JOE FRIDAY-Or that I was still alive, and a Christian?
MM-You got me there, can you share your testimony with me, I'm sure many others would like to hear it.
JF-Not much to tell, after taking a bullet during a 211 in progress, in 1974, I was down and depressed for months. Spent seven months in a nursing home recovering, and became depressed. Particularly when the shooter got off with only probation, I realized that there was no sense of justice, and that it had been heading that way for years. I had become bitter, and my world which had always been black and white-no pun intended, was changing. I found the black invading the white, and many gray areas entered into my life. I was on teaching assignment, part time during rehab at the academy, when I overheard a group of recruits saying how I was just a bitter old man, whom the system had done in, and they would never be like me. That hurt, as I was a good cop, a fair cop, and the force was my life.
MM-whoa, that had to hurt.
JF-it did, but there was one recruit, Nelson, who stood out, not only by his abilities, but by his presence. This was in the early 70's, and he talked about the difference Jesus Christ made in his life. And he talked about it openly. And others seemed to be either attracted to him, or made fun of him, but he always reacted the same. One day after a class on forensics, he stayed after to talk. He confronted me, told me how he admired my police work, but that I needed Jesus, and shared the gospel with me, and then invited me to church. I told him I would think about it, I was a Christian as I had attended Sunday school as a kid, and joined a mainline denomination, although it had been years since I had gone to church, and then only on Christmas and Easter. He jokingly called me a CEO-Christmas and Easter only. I even knew some of the police chaplains. I kept the 10 commandments, and had never killed anyone, except in the line of duty. I would got to heaven, I was a good person.
MM-so what did you do? when did you go?
JF-not for a while, but I finally figured I would. A group of cadets was attending, and insisted on me going with them. The cadets had become more of my peer group as so many of my contemporaries had retired. And boy, I wasn't ready for what happened when we arrived.
MM-go on...
JF-well, the music was loud, and no hymns, and I thought what had I gotten into, but that I could hold out for another hour. But then the pastor, Chuck got up and started talking about love, and how we were all sinners, and needed a savior. And as I looked around, I found myself at a strange disadvantage-these people all were saved, as Pastor Chuck called it, and I wasn't. I was the criminal amidst the innocent, and it bothered me. After having been taught from the Bible, and it seemed everyone had one and was reading it, even taking notes, I found myself totally embraced by love. The next thing I know they asked to pray for those to accept Jesus, and I did. And as I sat there for what seemed like a few seconds, the cadets were patient as it was about a half hour, the Holy Spirit touched my heart, and changed it. God showed me that I hated criminals, when I should only hate the crime. That God loved the sinner, and not the sin. And I needed to be forgiven, and then forgive. And that the bitterness of being shot, and dealing with rules and laws for all my career had made me that way. I needed Jesus!
MM-so what happened?
JF-that night, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ, and 56 years of sin left me. I was born again, and since that night, Jesus has been changing my heart. I retired on disability and moved here, so I could attend, and have been involved here in various ministries ever since.
MM-and the cadets? Where are they now?
JF-I still hear from them, as they are my family. Where before my family wore police blues, now they wear different colors, and all express the love of Jesus. And since that night I have never felt alone again-ever.
MM-well, thanks, my brother. It was nice to hear from you, and for you to take the time. Do you have a ride? Can I walk you to your car?
JF-that would be nice. It's the old Ford sedan over there.
MM-not the one from the series?
JF- a joke, and a gift sorta, from when the series ended. Complete with handicap plates, and PBA sticker.
As I helped him into his car, after we hugged, I watched him drive away. And both a tear and smile crossed my face. As he stopped to merge into traffic, there was an old "One way with Jesus" sticker on his bumper. And as I looked back, the lot was empty, and when I looked into the street, it too was empty. Was this all a dream? I vowed to return next Saturday night, to see him again.
But a funny thing happened, when I returned. He wasn't there, and when I asked about him, no one knew what I was talking about. Was I crazy? Did I make the whole thing up? I left disillusioned, and wondering. Had the previous week been a dream? Had I seen an angel?
Can't tell you, but one thing I can tell you, is the words he left me with, that have rung true for 2000 years and still do today. Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and died for your sins. No opinions-just the truth. And like Joe told me with a smile while walking to his car-"just the facts, please." And the fact, proven by all the evidence provided proves that Jesus is who He says He is.
Don't let the devil throw a dragnet over you. Don't hang around for the outcome... be in heaven with Joe and the other saints. Now that's a Good Friday message!
love with compassion,
Mike
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