4:348 – It’s Never Too Late

#faithbites #faithjourney never

Setting

Before she left for work, my wife reminded me to put the roast in the crockpot for dinner. I said I had it taken care of. Before I took the kids to school, I seasoned the meat, got the meat in the crockpot with the seasoning and broth, and put on the lid. All ready to go. Around 10:45, I went upstairs for a coffee and the crockpot was cold. I forgot to turn it on. Ugh. But, the meat was still chilled (the broth), I still had time before dinner, and we were good. The smell of the roast is wafting through the house. It is never too late.

Jesus tells us that our salvation isn’t by works, but by faith. We don’t have to have a resume of how we tithed or gave to the poor or built houses or anything. Yes, we should want to do that, but it’s not part of salvation. As long as we have faith in Christ, we are saved.

Today’s Questions: Do you think it’s too late for you to be saved? Do you think God holds your past actions against you?

Scripture

Luke 23:39-43 – One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.^[b]” ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Reflection

While this is a powerful passage, part of Jesus’s crucifixion, it is also simple. Jesus forgives a condemned man at the last minutes of his death. The man knew he had done wrong and was rightly convicted. He wasn’t a righteous or Godly person, but he asked for forgiveness and was granted it.

Don’t ever think it is too late. You may not be on a cross next to Jesus, but it could feel that way. You may think that you are terrible, horrible, and don’t deserve to be saved. Finally, you may believe that you have to earn your identity before God wants to talk to you. The fact is, you are a loved, supported, and cherished child of God. Our father wants you to be saved. Believe in Christ, ask for forgiveness, and you will have eternal life.

As we close, never say it’s the end or too late. All are welcome at the table, just reach out and ask for it.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving the criminal on the cross. Thank you for making a place for him in heaven with you This lets us know that it is never too late for us. We have the chance, even in our last moments, to beg for forgiveness and be washed of all our sins. We pray that you help us remember this always and help us to share this message with all those around us. In your name, we pray, Amen.