Minister’s message: It’s never too late
A number of years ago an elderly lady asked to see me as she had something she wanted to tell me, writes Rev James Gatherer. I had known her for a number of years. She didn’t attend church, mainly because it was difficult to get there, but she had also told me of her reservations about religion.
She had been a GP all her life and seen too much suffering and things that were just unfair so she was unsure about Godly matters. She did, however, have a high regard for Jesus of Nazareth as a teacher and object of devotion and was happy to be a supporter of the church.
This is something I have come across often and it always has my fullest understanding – there is so much in the world that is simply dreadful it is difficult to believe that there is a ‘something’ that i out there in charge or control of the world in the way that religion claims. But even amongst the strongest of doubters and sceptics there is often an acknowledgement that Jesus of Nazareth stands apart as an inspiration to be valued.
I visited the lady as requested and after the initial small talk she raised the matter that she wanted to tell me about. I was surprised at what I heard her say – it was not what I expected. She told me that she had started to pray first thing in the morning and last thing at night and that it was making a difference in her life – she was feeling better for it.
We had a lovely conversation and I left feeling privileged that someone had shared with me what was ‘good news’ for them and an encouragement to me but all the way home I kept saying to myself – ‘James! – she’s one hundred and one years of age and she has discovered that praying to the Lord Jesus makes a difference!’
Lesson for us all – it is never too late to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. His promise – ‘Come to me all you who are tired from carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11 : 28.
Kirkcudbright Church is open every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Anyone is welcome to come in, sit quietly at the back and listen. It’s never too late.
Every blessing
James Gatherer