Seasons: Winter — Thursday
Luke 23:43
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV)
“She was better this morning, Connor. I just hope we’re not too late,” Nancy said, opening the front door.
“Never too late,” I smiled, following her into the house. I did my best to appear confident, but the truth was that I was scared to death. I never knew what to do in these types of situations, especially as a new pastor.
Walking into the living room, Nancy softly introduced me. “Mom… this young man is from church. He’s here to sit and talk with you.”
Nancy’s mother Vicki glanced up at me from her adjustable hospital bed. She was groggy, but able to comprehend what her daughter was saying. Nancy tip-toed out of the way, shooting me a look that said, “Good luck.”
Sitting beside the bed, I introduced myself. After a few minutes of awkward small talk, I finally cut to the chase:
“So, I heard you have some questions about Jesus...”
Might as well make it more awkward.
“Well…” she responded, collecting her thoughts. Before she could say anything else, her eyes filled with tears. “Never mind, it ain’t worth it.”
“It’s worth it, I promise,” I smiled. “Ask away!” After several moments, she finally spoke.
“I just feel like it might be too late for me…” she began, sobbing. “I done all kinda bad things… been a bad mom, a bad woman… God wouldn’t want nothin’ to do with someone like me…”
Choking back tears, I reached for her hand and squeezed.
“Vicki, if there’s one thing I know about Jesus, it’s that He never gives up on anybody.”
In His final hours, Jesus was whipped, tortured, and savagely beaten beyond recognition. His body was nailed to a cross and placed between two criminals—one who mocked Him.
But the other criminal recognized Him as the Messiah and asked Jesus for mercy, telling Him, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Then Jesus responded, “Today, you will be with me in paradise...”
I find it interesting that one of the last things Jesus did with His life was to redeem someone else’s.
He looks at this thief—who not only deserves death, but has waited until the very end of his life to accept Jesus as his Savior—and not only forgives him, but promises him a place in His Kingdom.
That day near the end of her life, in her living room, Jesus promised Vicki a place there, too.
Because Jesus never gives up on anybody.
Thursday’s Reflection
What if we never gave up on people just like Jesus never does? Pray for someone you know today who doesn’t know Him.
