When I was a young minister in Sydney one of our members asked me to visit his Dad who was very ill in Hospital. So I visited Mr Ellerman and found him an easy man to chat with. He had been in WW1 and as a result had lost both legs. His journey had been a tough one yet he was thankful for his life. However, when we spoke of spiritual matters he told me that he felt a hypocrite even considering becoming a follower of Jesus. I felt prompted to read the following passage to him.

One of the criminals hanging beside Jesus scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43, NLT.

I was so happy to hear that the Hospital Chaplain had led Mr Ellerman to the Lord the day after I saw him and he died only a few days later. This passage teaches us that while a person has breathe it is never too late for Jesus to save their soul.

God is gracious and sovereign.