I once was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When I asked the neurologist how long I might live, he told me, “Well I had a lady in here with the exact same symptoms you have and she was dead three days later”.
Yikes!
I shall never forget that day. I was in my mid-thirties, had a young family, a successful business, and my entire life ahead of me. One’s entire world is turned upside down when those words are uttered I tell you. As it turned out, (months later), it was discovered that he misdiagnosed me and I’m still kicking today. Hey, I may be old but I ain’t cold – (just yet anyway).
I’ve faced death and narrowly missed that appointment more times in my life than the proverbial cat who has but a paltry nine lives; I’ve had two serious head on collisions; been in three cars that rolled several times; I’ve had knives pulled on me; looked down the barrel of guns and been shot at on more than one occasion; been savagely beaten with clubs, fists, and brass knucks; survived being caught in violent storms offshore in my boat; overdosed on meth twice and LSD once; cocked and put a gun to my head on numerous occasions for the express purpose of committing suicide.
Okay so later this week I’m going on death row to talk to some guys who are facing execution for heinous crimes committed. So what does one say to someone facing execution in a state like Texas where once an inmate’s execution date is set, it means that they are going to die on that day?
Hmmm…What I tell them is that God created us to live forever and there is no such thing as death. We’ll live for eternity either in heaven or hell. Our stint in this world is brief but vitally important. I remind them of the two criminals being executed that day with Christ. One rejected Christ and even taunted him. The other angrily told that guy to leave Jesus alone, stating that He was a good man. He said that they were guilty of their crimes, but Jesus was innocent and didn’t do anything to deserve crucifixion, and then he asked Jesus to remember him when he entered into His kingdom.
Jesus looked at him and said, “This day you will be in paradise with me!” Jesus didn’t say the criminal could go there after saying 10 Hail Mary’s, attend Sunday school for 22 years, become a deacon, give money to the preacher, smile at his ugly wife, sing in the choir, and get baptized by immersion.
Jesus didn’t say, “I’d like to man, BUT you belted down all those beers, and then went out and got all drunked up and seduced and had sex with your best friend’s wife, and then you stole his chariot and went for a joy ride and ran over two little kids and wrecked and totaled it. Sorry Jack, but I got to send you to hell”.
He didn’t say that because Jesus loves us in spite of our sins and offers His salvation as His free gift to anyone who has faith in him and repents of their sins in this lost world. It is called grace – SWEET GRACE!
Now if that doesn’t give those who are facing death today hope, then I don’t know what will!
It is what HE did and not what WE did that determines our eternal abode. That criminal’s faith in Jesus is what allowed the blood of Christ to cover all of those dark sins where “they would be remembered no more” and let him through those pearly gates where he lives today in complete bliss.
I tell those tortured inmates on the “row” about grace.
News Flash: I’ll let you in on a little secret; we’re all on the “row” and need grace.
Ahhh… but don’t you worry about being on death row not even one little smidgeon, because remember there is no such thing as death, because we all going to live – forever. Just get right with God while there is yet time so you live in the right place…
Psalms 23:4
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.