It's Never Too Late...or is it?

When it comes to time, I'm a firm believer that most people fall into two different categories:

those who are always a few minutes early

(that would be me) 

and those who are always running late 

(uh hum...hubby fits in here) 

Always late
Image courtesy of Bing.com

And he doesn't just arrive late, he also includes some type of dramatic announcement of his presence, usually a booming, "Well, well, well." Those of us who like to keep a low profile, well, we've learned to adjust or duck our heads in embarrassment, just accepting his energetic personality as one of the things we love about him.

My sweet hubby

But, really, whether you're early or late, does it matter? Sure you might miss a few minutes of an important meeting. You could be fired from a job you loved (but if you really loved it, wouldn't you make an effort to be on time?). Or a date might have given up waiting at the prearranged meeting spot when you finally scurry in.

But, how about the more important things? Issues with an eternal impact?
I have GREAT news for you stragglers.

When it comes to accepting the precious gift of hope that Jesus so freely offers, it's NEVER too late.

Nope. It's never too late. Want to know how I know?

For one, when Jesus was hanging on the cross, two criminals surrounded him, one on each side. They both knew they deserved to die for the crimes they'd committed. One of them taunted Jesus while the other asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom.

How did Jesus respond?

With love and forgiveness. With grace and mercy. With a promise that "today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:39-43, NIV)

Today! Did you catch that? Doomed to suck in his last ragged breath hanging on a cross, that lost soul received the gift of eternal life, the promise that he'd enter heaven's gate that very day!

Still not enough evidence for you?

How about the parable of the vineyard workers? Early in the morning, a landowner hired workers for his vineyard. After he set them to work, he went out four more times, hiring workers each time. At the end of the day, the generous vineyard owner paid each worker the same salary, no matter what time they arrived. He claimed that it was his money, and his right to do as he pleased. (Matthew 20:1-16, NIV)

Just like that vineyard owner, Jesus offers the same grace, the same precious gift, to the man or woman who comes to Him at the end of their life as the one who comes at an early age. 

He's generous, loving, gracious, and his mercy covers all who ask.
Do you hear the soft whisper? See the arms stretched wide? He's waiting for you.

It's never too late...in life.

What are you waiting for?

What legacy will you leave?

William Sheldon Atwater
1915 - 2012

On May 20, 2012, my grandfather slipped into eternity at the age of 96. He left behind 3 daughters (including my mother), 2 sons, 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. What a legacy!

In his younger days, people called him "Wild Bill." My grandma must have tamed him because I never heard him called that. He was a rock for the family, a pillar in the community, and a founding member of his church. He had such an infectious laugh that everybody laughed with him. He loved to play practical jokes, drink diet Mountain Dew, watch game shows, and do word search puzzles. After he retired from Caterpillar, he drove to town every day to meet his friends for coffee.

My grandpa didn't talk much, and I never heard him talk about his faith. Instead, he lived it. He valued faith, family, friends, and hard work. Without a doubt, he met his beloved bride at heaven’s gate last Sunday.

Life is short. Years flip by with lightning speed. Our years on earth are just a speck of sand in light of eternity. Our days are numbered, with a time to be born and a time to die. (Ecc 3:2 NIV)

I can't imagine facing death without hope, without God, without the anticipation of spending eternity with God. The good news is we don't have to face death alone. God offers us a life with Him. He has a giant eraser, bigger than you'll ever need for anything you've ever done. All we have to do is say yes to Him.

What legacy will you leave? 

What choice have you made about eternity?