My elderly friend John had further questions after acknowledging that God’s declarations in Romans 3:23 and 6:23 applied to him as well as to everyone else. Before praying to receive Jesus as his Savior and Lord, he asked me, “Is this about membership in a church?” I replied, “No, John. It’s about citizenship in the kingdom of Heaven.”
He then asked, “Will I have to stand up and give my testimony in front of a large group of people?” I answered, “No, in front of your wife and me will suffice for now.” He turned toward her and asked, “Honey, is this all right with you?” She answered, “John! It’s your decision!”
I asked, “Are you ready now to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord?” He replied, “Yes I am.” He prayed to receive Jesus as his Savior and lord, and a few minutes later I said my goodbyes and left.
Shortly afterward his wife caught up with me in the hallway, and announced, “David, after you left, he turned to me and said, “I think a miracle has happened today!” She then asked, “When the time comes would you be willing to conduct the memorial service for him?” I told her I would be honored to do so.
She called the next week to inform me of his passing. Together we prepared for the service, which we wanted to include a lot of biographical information. The day of the memorial service, the meeting hall was filled with many of his extended family members from around the country, and many friends and business associates from his construction career.
I had the privilege of sharing his testimony to this large group of friends and loved ones on his behalf. I suspect he was smiling from heaven at the irony of his testimony going forth to a large group after all, through me. Afterward a young man introduced himself to me as one of his cousins and said, “I was so glad to hear your report of his salvation. We’ve been praying for him for years. He was a tough nut to crack!”
I am reminded of Jesus’ statement in John 4:36, “And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. (John 4:36)
Compelling Love 
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