“Pardon On The Cross!”

“Pardon On The Cross!”(Lk. 23:39-43).
About two months ago I was called to baptised somebody on his sick bed. I had been told that several of his family members had coaxed him to be converted to Christ but he was adamant. As soon as I was told that he had finally accepted to be baptised, I did not hesitate. The messenger was even surprised because she had thought I would give a rendezvous for two or three days time.
When I went to the patient I was happy that he was talking very well and was mentally balanced. I asked to know whether it was his decision to be baptised or it was due to pressure from family members? He told me it was his decision. We discussed about kingdom matters, I offered a few teachings and baptised him.
Two Sundays later after the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in church, elders went and served him at home. That was the only meal and drink which went into o his stomach on that day. Later in the night he transited the world. I have no doubt in my heart that he is resting peacefully is the bosom of the Lord.
It is never too late with God. God’s time is the best because he is neither late nor early. God is always spot on time! We are not saying that we take this as an excuse to say we will wait till the last hour. No-one knows when that last hour comes, so it is expedient to prepare your ground and sow the seeds at the appropriate season.
Three people were hanging on their crosses. Jesus was in the middle. The other two were hardened criminals. Having been hung on the cross for criminal activities, there was no longer any hope of salvation for the two criminals. The two and Jesus were all in excruciating pain, but they all engaged in discussions about salvation. Lesson: We all have the opportunity to discuss the things of God till our last breath and until we make the last decision to be or not to be. Of the two criminals, one of them derided Jesus saying, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him, “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” So saying, he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered the man, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
There is this pun in pidgin English: “Na fine talk be help thiefman for cross!” What offered him that last minute salvation was not mere “fine talk!” You do not flatter the Lord or sweet talk him with eloquence. No! He repented, accepted Jesus as the Christ and asked him for a place in the kingdom. Jesus gave it to him without hesitation.
My friend, it is never too late to ask for forgiveness and it is never too late for the Lord to grant you pardon and receive you in paradise! Turn to him, even now and he will readily accept you as you are. He will take you as you are to make you what he wants you to become! Hallelujah!
Weekend prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you did not stay quiet, nursing your pain from the wound nails. Rather you spent that last painful moment to show how your grace and mercy is unending and is not time bound. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.