Nougat 8

What qualifies a person for salvation? Are some folks already condemned though alive? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1:13‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

No one is outside God’s power to save. If they are Adam-natured, easily swayed and unwilling to accept responsibility, remember that Jesus was sent to correct the mistakes Adam made. Ruth, the foreigner, also found favor with God. And there’s Elijah, who suffered from depression, but was a prophet whose service to God resulted in the saving God’s people time from idolatry.

If we think folks are too old or barren, let’s remember Anna and Elizabeth. They each met Jesus towards the end of their journeys, and affirmed that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s redemption plan. We might think that the impulsive and rash are also beyond God’s favor. Yet Peter was a member of Jesus’ Inner Circle and discipled the early church in the immediate post-Pentecost period.

The condemned malefactor met Jesus on the Cross. Death was certain, but like the others aforementioned, his openness to accept the Good News of salvation transformed his situation. In faith he asked for grace and it was immediately given. Jesus established that truly it is our faith in Him that redeems, not our race, class or status. This gift of salvation is for All.

Even a murderer like Paul.

I suppose that there might even have been persons praying for him prior to his conversion. And, even if not, I wish to challenge us believers to pray for those who we (and probably society) have already condemned to hell. For if God’s favor, forgiveness and fragrance could be placed on Paul, Ruth, the thief on the cross, Elijah, Elizabeth, Adam and others throughout History, there’s still room for the vilest of sinners to be saved. Though they must make the step of Faith, they also can benefit from the prayers of the people.

Can we think of someone for whom we might pray God’s favor, forgiveness and fragrance? Let’s pray.

Jesus, You came for those in need of healing, not the healthy. Right now, we place [please insert name/s] before You, and ask for Your favor, forgiveness and fragrance upon their lives. [There’s no circumstance beyond Your transforming grace Lord, save for blasphemy and even then, we ask for mercy if needed]. Spirit of God take over and bring them to the place where Your sovereignty is visible and they are open to Your saving grace. Please hear our prayers dear Jesus, amen.

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May all we seek be found in Christ