The Holy Ledger

Some folks come to know Jesus at a very early age.  I have baptized more than a few children who came to me long before they were of confirmation age speaking of a desire for baptism and a love for Jesus.  Perhaps, they did not speak the faith language with the expertise of an adult, but genuine faith does not require an education, or any certain number of years.  It just requires faith.  Along the way there have also been a few who have raised a skeptical eye at the practice of baptizing a child and affirming their love for Christ.  There are some who think a child should wait until a certain age of understanding is reached, an age no doubt determined by them.    

And, at the other end of the spectrum, there are people who come to know Jesus almost an the end of their life.  One of the thieves on the cross that day when Jesus died is a great example of a last minute come to know Jesus moment.  So, it is never too late.  One of the most precious memories I have of my time at the Zoar Church which was my first appointment was going to the home of a man who had become housebound for his baptismal service.  It was a moment when the Men's Sunday School Class came to be the Body of Christ present with him as he professed faith in Christ.  And, of course, there are some who raise skeptical eyes at such a thing saying that it is not so much about expressing faith in Christ as it is fire insurance.  Personally, I am skeptical about believers who would think, or say such a thing.  

It is never too early, or too late to come to know Jesus.  He is not just the Savior of the middle age folks, or the people with families, or the folks who look like and act like you and me, but the Savior of all people.  Age is irrelevant.  Actually, everything is irrelevant except faith.  Paul wrote in the letter to the Ephesians, "For by grace you have been saved  through faith..."  (Ephesians 2:8) and the whole book of Galatians is an argument putting down a Jesus plus theology which declared that something in addition to faith is necessary.  Faith and faith alone.  Nothing else counts on the holy ledger.