It's Never Too Late

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you?  Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you're at it!"

But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you are dying?  We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong."  Then he said, "Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

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

Luke 23:39-43

I must pause as the chills race through my body.  This story is so touching.  A man who lived his life in sin, is faced with imminent death, as he hangs on a cross beside Jesus Christ, he chooses to change his life.  You might wonder how on earth he had time to change.  He was hours or even minutes from dying, how could a man with such a sinful past change his life in a moment and receive eternal salvation?  It is possible because that man, like you and me, only needs a moment to accept His salvation.  He only needs to admit that Jesus is the Messiah.  But in that short amount of time he did more than believe.  He turned from bitter, angry man to a soft, kind person.  In just moments he turned from a sinner to completely forgiven when he was able to admit his sin, out loud and in public, but most importantly to Jesus.  This man didn't just say he believed, his life changed, in just a moment's flash.  

Friend, it is never too late to change.  If there is someone in your life that doesn't know Jesus as his or her Lord and savior, as long as they have breath, there is still time.  Don't ever give up on your friend, spouse, parent, or child.  Jesus doesn't give up on anyone and neither should we.  It only takes a moment for someone to change, it only takes a second for someone to believe.  Your prayers and encouragement and friendship are all very important factors in helping that person choose Jesus, but even when you have exhausted every avenue and still see no change, don't ever give up.  Keep praying, keep believing that there is still time.  And my dear friend, if it is you who is doubting and you who hasn't made that final decision to accept Jesus' as your Lord, then I am not giving up on you.  It's never too late to believe in Jesus Christ and it's never too late to accept His gift of salvation.