By John A. Huffman, Jr
I say that as a believer. The crimes Nichols is suspected of are inexcusable. The serenity of Smith is close to inexplicable. But the message of the Gospels is that God works with the crooked timber of human failure. That was an exceptional moment of redemption. But every day we have smaller, calmer chances to turn another's life around, to serve, to listen. How often do we simply not see what is in front of us? How often do we believe that the world's evils--from terrorism to crime to emotional cruelty--are beyond our capacity to change? Or that there is no one in front of us whom we can serve? Smith and Nichols' story is a chastening reminder that we may be wrong.
I watched a man in this community for almost 15 years. He didn't seem to have much time for God. I told his story in more detail last weekend. He began to come to St. Andrew's infrequently. He sat in the back row and left during the final hymn. Then I noticed him begin to come more frequently. I heard through the grapevine that he had accepted Jesus as his Savior. On occasion, he would greet me at the door after church. Then he began to battle cancer. He battled it for many months, and then my friend died.
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His daughters came to my office. They had his DayTimer with them. They opened it and pulled out a piece of paper with these words, which they wanted me to share at his memorial service. I share them now with you in the hope that you, too, will be able to express the essence of what he expresses here, finding resurrection answers to life's deepest questions:
“Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sins. Please forgive me and save me. I ask this in the name of Jesus who died for me. I trust him right now. I believe that the sinless blood of Jesus is a sufficient price to pay for my salvation. Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for saving my soul. Amen.”
Jesus looks you in the eyes and makes this claim to be the resurrection and the life. And then He asks you, "Do you believe this?"
Just what is your answer?
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John A. Huffman, Jr., is Senior Pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, and a Contributing Editor of Preaching