30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. [34] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord. Acts 15:30-35

Two thousand years separates us from them, but the best way to deliver a message in both cultures was in person. We have devised less time-consuming ways, but the face to face personal touch is always the best. Judas and Silas understood that well.

In the hobby of Amateur Radio (Ham), enthusiasts trade postcards (QSL cards) that verify radio contact has been made. Frequency, call sign, and signal strength is noted. When they collect enough cards from around the world, they win awards. I have operated before. One of my most memorable QSLs was from a man I met in-country (Mongolia). JT1CS is his call sign and he reads this devotional regularly. He filled out his card and put “Eyeball” for the contact information. I didn’t quite understand it at first until he explained the obvious. He didn’t need a radio or fancy antenna to contact me; I was right there in front of him, eyeball to eyeball.

In a few days I will be making eyeball contact with my brother. He has Stage 4 Lung and Brain cancer. Sadly, he is not expected to live long. I will see him face to face. A letter, phone call, or an email just won’t do. And sometimes you have to travel across the country for those short moments to say what needs to be said.

Who do you need to make “eyeball” contact with in the next week? There’s something you need to say or do in person. You’d love to call or write, but you know what you need to do. Ask God to give you strength to do it.