“NEVER TOO LATE”

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were fortunate enough to travel to Paris, France, for a few days. Though we didn’t have the opportunity to visit all the places that we wanted, we are glad to have visited the Auguste Rodin Museum. There is a religious connection to the works of this artist, be they on canvas, marble, or bronze. From The Thinker, to The Gates of Hell, one is challenged to see beyond the art, and meditate on the spiritual. The painting “The Crucifixion” shown above is one of these works, presented somewhat different from what we used to see.

We are all familiar with the images of the two thieves crucified along with Jesus, and with the plea of the dying thief on his right: “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom,” and, Jesus’ response: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Of course, one cannot ignore the attitude of the thief on Jesus’ left who was hurling insults at him and telling him derisively, among other things: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and save us!”

Looking at this painting however, it is difficult not to make the biblical connection. One can see the angel near the feet of Jesus, reaching out to the thief on the right whose arm appears to extend and even touching Jesus in the bright sky, while a thick, dark menacing sky surrounds the thief on Jesus’ left. His body is turned away from Jesus. The picture brought me to meditate on the possibility that the second thief also could have confessed and repent as did the one on the right.

Sometimes, just like Judas did, we think that it is too late, we believe that we are too far gone, that there is no hope, and there is no point attempting to repair the damages to our relationship with God and one another. What is the point? The high priests didn’t even want the betrayal money back. I am beyond forgiveness, it is too late, thought Judas. But in reality, it is never too late for salvation by grace through faith. It is never too late to acknowledge that we are going in the wrong direction, confess our sins, repent and receive the salvation by God’s grace through faith, that He promised to us in John 3:16. There is no expiration date on this promissory note except for the fact that we must cash it in while we are still in the land of the living, even with our last breadth, like the thief on the right side of Jesus on calvary. We have heard many stories of deathbed confessions and repentances. Yes, our lives are much more useful and fulfilling if we turn to God early, but even those who repent at the very last moment will be with God in his kingdom. It is never too late.

Let us pray. Gracious and Merciful God, we are grateful for your faithfulness and your compassion, grateful that you are a God slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love, grateful that you do not harbor your anger forever or treat us as our sins deserve (Ps. 103:9-10). We confess O God, that we too often fall short of your expectations. By the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to live a life worthy of being called your children, of being living witnesses for you. And when we falter O God, help us to jettison all pride, or arrogance, or whatever other inclinations that would keep us from acknowledging our failures and humbly confess our sins and seek your forgiveness. In the matchless name of Jesus, we pray. Amen and Amen.

Written by Rev. Franck Aguilh