Make the choice today

"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 23:42-43 NLT

Anick Jesdanun, a longtime journalist for the Associated Press and avid runner who had completed more than 80 marathons and whose friends and family described as "the picture of health" unexpectedly died on April 2 at the age of 51 as a result of the coronavirus. According to his cousin, Prinda Malpramook, Anick tested positive for the virus but did not require hospitalization. "Perhaps the most frightening part of his story is how he had been recovering over a string of days. A doctor’s visit even confirmed his vitals were good and his lungs were clear." Mulpramook said that while Jesdanun showed signs of recovery, on April 2 he went to the emergency room because he was having trouble breathing. “Then there was a sudden setback — and in almost the blink of an eye he was admitted to the hospital and passed away later that same day."

And you know, as this virus has proven time and again, death could come anywhere at anytime and to anyone... seemingly in the blink of an eye. And while that’s most definitely a frightening thought, it's even more so for those who don't know Christ because they have no assurance of what will happen after death. But as the penitent sinner on the cross hanging next to Jesus came to discover that Easter weekend more than 2,000 years ago, no matter what a person has done, if they choose to accept Jesus as their Savior - even in the last moment before death - they can have the blessed assurance that they will enter into paradise. The same blessed assurance that every believer has. 

But if your plan is to to live your life as you please and then accept Jesus when you feel death is near after you've had your worldly fun, be careful my friend. There are a million ways other than contracting the coronovirus that you could die in the blink of an eye. And if that happens, there will not be another chance to make the decision that will determine where you spend eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God of second chances. Thank you for loving us so much that you would allow us to enter Heaven at the lost possible moment. If there is anyone putting off their decision today, my fervent hope is that they would pray this prayer... Lord, I confess that I am a sinner in need of grace. I believe that your son, Jesus, was crucified for the forgiveness of my sins and that He rose again on the third day. I accept you as my Lord and Savior at this very moment and pray that you would dwell in my heart. It's in your precious name I pray this. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Remember me - Kutless