Corona Devo 3313
The bad news is that Albert's hospital gown was halfway down his torso, and he had dried vomit on his beard, right clavicle, arm, and chest.
The good news is that our visit and conversation ended in prayer, with us holding hands, and him asking Jesus into his heart.
The good outweighs the bad---thank the Lord.
~~~
The word on the street, (or at least in his nursing home hallway) is that Albert is a tough customer, having a reputation for yelling, and sometimes kicking nurses out of his room. But I wonder how it would feel to be in the end stages of life without any loved ones around, and left alone in a low-income nursing home?
I have a heart for Albert, and so does Jesus, and it was for this reason that I stopped in his room to visit yesterday.
Like an abused dog, Albert searched my eyes to discern if he could trust me, and something between my smile and my greeting, (which included introducing myself and gently reminding him that God loves him and is with him), caused Albert not only let me stay, but we ended up enjoying deep conversation and a spiritual conversion.
We chatted about church (his and mine), and he asked if I like my pastor (Yes!), and he told me that (although deceased now), his pastor was a "great preacher".
But somewhere between the smell of old vomit on him, and the beef-a-roni lunch on his tray, his tone turned a notch more serious.
I had already prayed with Albert, and now as I reminded him that God was with him, there in that room and in his struggles, Albert locked eyes with me and said heavily, "But, I'm a sinner."
Sidenote: There are stages and ages in our life when we stiff-arm God and we think we have all the time in the world to "get right" with Him. But there will come a time in our life when we become very aware that death is near and that "we" are not the boss: not of our lives in this world, and certainly not of our afterlife. Albert was at that point.
..."But, I'm a sinner", Albert said, and there was more that he almost said, but he stopped.
And then he waited, as if for the hammer to drop, or for the wrath of God to sideline him, but instead my eyes softened and I told him the truth: "We're ALL sinners, Albert."
I could tell that wasn't what he was expecting, but it is the truth.
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... ~Romans 3:23
I also reminded Albert that Jesus went to the cross to pay for our sin.
We couldn't pay that price or ever do enough good to earn forgiveness, but God willingly gave His Son so that we might be cleansed of our sin.
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” ~I Pere 2:24
My sins, and your sins, and Albert's sins too: When we ask Jesus into our heart, Jesus cleanses all of our sins.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. ~I John 1:9-10
Albert looked slightly miffed, which I understand, because it is hard to believe and understand God's grace, but I told him that the Bible boils it down and clearly says that there are no strings attached to salvation in Christ...just belief:
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
(31) They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (32) Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. (33) At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. (34) The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. ~Acts 16:30-34
And even though he and I had united in prayer earlier...I could sense that it was time to pray again.
I reassured Albert that our salvation and eternity with the Lord was as simple as declaring our faith in God and His Son, and Albert said he wanted to.
At that moment, I didn't smell the vomit or see a sinful past, I just felt God come near, as a man humbled his heart before Him.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.(2) Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.(3) For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.(4) Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.(5) Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.(6) Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.(7) Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.(8) Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.(9) Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.(10) Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.(11) Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.(12) Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.~Psalm 51:1-12
As we prayed, whenever I opened my eyes...there was Albert staring wide-eyed into mine. It was (a little) like he couldn't believe what was happening.
The same was true when I got ready to leave and told Albert that he had made my day.
"I did?" he asked? It was less of a confused-asked, and more of a "I haven't made anyone's day in a long time" kind of ask.
"Of course you made my day!", I told him, in truth and love.
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. ~Luke 15:7
~~~
The bad news is that Albert's story is each-of-our story: We are all sinful.
The good news is the Good News! God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins and to cleanse us.
Like Albert, and every soul that's ever been saved...all we have to do is admit that we are sinful and ask Jesus into our heart...and He will come.
His good outweighs our bad---thank the Lord.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (4) ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
(5) He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ~Revelation 21:3-5
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