It’s Never Too Late
Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, exercising, early mornings, drama tv shows, stocks, reading, and school. Someone might look at that list and ask if I’m crafting an inventory of nightmares but to much of my chagrin, I am not. Those are all things that I once hated, loathed even, as a child. However, as I make my journey into adulthood I have found a passion and desire for each thing on that list. This reality dawned on me as I gradually stopped requesting “hold the tomato” at burger restaurants. I found myself getting overly excited when I would read that brussels sprouts were an option for a side dish. I even discovered an excitement when summer drew to a close because I knew I’d be sitting in a classroom once more. Maybe I’m crazy, but maybe you can relate.
We “should” go through a similar process as we mature in our spirituality. It’s imperative that we transition from seeing Jesus as just a historical figure to a personal savior. We ought to transform our view of the physical life from a satisfaction of the temporary to an anticipation of the eternal. This was definitely the case for many people recorded in the gospel accounts.
Jesus became the source of solutions and answers to those who needed help. Four times, and two indirectly, in the gospel of Luke Jesus states “your faith has saved you” (*5:20, 7:50, 8:48, 17:19, 18:42, and *23:43). These verses are not a means of doctrinal conspiracy to teach a “faith-only” doctrine, but rather they support the central idea that one cannot be saved without faith. It takes coming to Jesus to find a spiritual resolution.
Interestingly, it is the last of these passages that fascinates me the most. While we don’t have the exact wording of “your faith has saved you,” the principle is there. The thief has been sent to the cross for his actions and his timeline on this world is drawing to a rapid close. He obviously doesn’t have a great history, given his current circumstance, yet he still finds opportunity to mature in his faith. In 23:40, this man rebuked the other criminal on the cross for scoffing at the Christ. He then proceeds to admit his guilt and the Son of man’s innocence. In his last moments he requests that Jesus would remember him as he made His way into the Kingdom. With a divine affirmative, the Lord states, “today you will be with me in paradise.”
Some find the need for Jesus very early in life, while others find Him while they’re watching the sunset of life. My 12 year-old self would look at the list previously given with disgust and contempt. Yet somewhere down the line I realized the necessity for all those things; being conscious in my health, careful with my time, proactive in my education, resourceful in the funds I have, and mindful in my emotions. Despite my normal mode of operation as a child, the necessities of life became relevant and I even found enjoyment in those things. There are individuals who may think “I’ve never believed in Jesus” or “that’s never been me” and that’s okay. But that doesn’t negate the opportunity to have spiritual communion with the God of the universe. It is never a shameful thing to discover a long-anticipated relationship with God; in fact, many rejoice at the action (Luke 15:6, 9, 23, 24).