Is It Ever TOO Late?

As he was drawing his final breaths in this life, Steve Jobs said: “In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success. However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed. At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.”

His final words reveal his struggle to come to grips with his impending death. He had had it all; he had done it all; life for Steve Jobs, by human standards, was as great as it gets. Or was it? As he lay dying, reflecting on his past, his words signified his lostness. I am reminded of the final words of another who had gained everything the world had to offer but found no satisfaction. King Solomon’s final conclusion of life is summed up in his final words: “Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiates 1:2 NIV). Was it too late for these men? Had they permanently traded in eternity in heaven for the pleasures of life?

I began to consider when too late is too late. I thought about Jesus hanging on the cross and the two thieves that were crucified on either side of Him. The first chose to hurl insults at Jesus as his life was drawing to a close; while the other, recognizing his desperate need for something more than life ever gave him, chose to turn to Jesus. His final words were: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42 NIV).

Jesus turned to the second thief and replied: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NIV). Did Solomon find peace with His Savior as he was dying? We do not know for certain, but we do know that on his deathbed, it was not too late to make the right decision. Steve Jobs, did he recognize his need for a Savior during the final moments of his life? We do not know, but if he did, he was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven following his final breath.

What about you? Have you come to grips with your need for a Savior? Have you recognized your need to turn your life over to Jesus Christ? Is it ever too late? YES, it is! After you take your final breath on this earth, whenever that may be, it is then too late. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Discover the true meaning of life by choosing Jesus and then living every day for Jesus.

Scripture Reading: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV).

Prayer: Father God, I recognize how meaningless life truly is. I feel the emptiness; I feel the need for something more than I have ever experienced on this earth. Please forgive me and forgive my past. Come into my life, I surrender it all over to You right now. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for me and for taking away my sins and giving me the opportunity to share eternity with You—in Jesus’ name, AMEN!