It's Never Too Late

Reference:  Luke 23:40 But the other criminal protested, "Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

 43 And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Observation: Jesus came to die to save sinners, and this verse demonstrates that He kept His mission to the "end" of His earthly life. This extension of grace reminds me of the story of the vineyard workers in Matthew 20. The workers who were there all day didn't think it was right to reward everyone the same. God is so patient with us, and never gives up on us. From a human perspective it may not seem fair, but that is not God's concern. His focus is on eternal relationships.

Application/Confession: My wife's grandfather was a man of character and integrity, but stubborn. Grandma prayed for his salvation for over forty years, and the rest of the family did our share as well. But it wasn't until he nearly died of emphysema, and then relapsed back into the hospital, that he humbled himself and invited Jesus to claim his heart. I don't suppose when we meet again in heaven that the timing of his decision for Christ will be an issue.

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to never give up praying for the lost, sharing my faith, and believing for souls. Thanks for not giving up on me.

By Rich Lattman