Last-Minute Faith

Last-minute decisions have always sent me into a panic. Usually, last-minute decisions happen because I was not aware a decision needed to be made or I gained last minute pivotal information right before the finish line. It can be stressful to make last-minute decisions because without enough time to review details and information there is the possibility of making the wrong decision or at least not the best decision.   

Right before these words spoken by Jesus in Luke 23, the criminal on the cross next to Him made the biggest last-minute decision. He proclaimed the truth of who Jesus was and told Him, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus assured the criminal that he would indeed join Him in heaven. 

We can respond to the criminal on the cross next to Jesus with criticism.  We can question the fairness of a man being saved in the last moment of his life when others have lived lives of faithful love and devotion to God. But the good news and the truth is we are never too late or too slow to be counted under God’s grace.  Like the vineyard workers in Matthew 20 who are hired at various times throughout the day but all receive the same wage, people who come to Christianity later in life, even if it is a last-minute decision, will still be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. 

We cannot earn salvation through good deeds and decades of dedication. It is through Christ alone that we are saved, and not through years of relationship. No matter what we have done or how long we have lived without Him, He wants to know us and for us to know Him.  Jesus wants us to receive His gift of eternal life, to welcome us into His arms as His child. 

It is not too late to make that decision of faith, even if it feels last-minute. 

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Father, thank You! Thank You for accepting me in my brokenness and for wiping the slate clean. I pray for those who do not know You, especially those needing to make a last-minute decision of faith.  May they experience Your saving grace and make You Lord of their life. Amen.