A Timely Faith

I recently spoke at a men’s luncheon. Afterward, an elderly gentleman came up to me. He was 77 years old and introduced himself as a retired professor who once was a candidate for a Nobel prize. I asked him, “Do you have eternal life, or are you still on the way?”

He said, “My wife’s going to heaven, and I’m going to hell.” He told me how he had faith as a boy, but lost it at the university. He went 40 years without faith in God, while his wife attended church every week. “It’s too late,” he said. “God will never take me back.”

Right away, I told him the Good News: Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I mentioned Hebrews 10:17, “Their sins and evil deeds I will remember no more.” In response, the professor simply said, “That’s beautiful,” and accepted Jesus Christ into his heart.

Two weeks later, I met his wife. She had attended church all her life. She thought her church attendance would get her into heaven. She had no assurance of eternal life and was constantly worried about letting God down. I explained the Good News of God’s grace and she fully understood it that very day. The difference in their lives now is amazing!

Do you have an elderly friend who does not know God? Pray for them. Seek opportunities to point them to the Cross because, on this side of heaven, it’s never too late to trust Jesus Christ as our Savior. Thank the Lord for that!